99 10 1892 http://recollectionsks.org/files/original/102456d384a6ed5dbae229e11ce58f4f.jpeg db17600f81e391b6c60bcb32dba6953f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Rossville Agricultural History Subject The topic of the resource Farming/Ranching Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rossville Community Library Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Rossville Centennial Booklet, 1971 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Rossville Community Library Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Public Domain due to copyright expiration. Original narrative content by RCL is available for use by public. Description An account of the resource Rossville is fortunately situated in many ways—we are near a large city, Topeka, but far enough away to retain our own identity; we can be considered a bedroom community to Topeka since so many residents commute to work to the larger city; we are just north of the Kansas River and enjoy the fertile “Kaw River Valley,” which has benefited agriculture in our community since its very beginnings. From the early days, Rossville Township was blessed with fertile creek and river-bottom land, combined with the upland, which consisted of bluestem grass. The early settlers broke and cleared the bottom lands and part of the upland prairie. The settlers of the 1860-70s began farming and found the soil fertile and productive. However, the task of clearing the timberland and breaking prairie sod must have seemed insurmountable. Corn and wheat, the main crops, and cattle, hogs and other livestock-raising, became the basic agriculture of Rossville township. Many of these early farmers came to Kansas seeking land. They traveled by ox cart and wagon before the railroad went through, following the Oregon and other trails. Settlers bought land from the Santa Fe Railroad or from members of the Citizen Potawatomi Band, who were selling their allotment land. The first mention of early agriculture in Rossville comes from Dr. Gabbey’s account, written in 1886: “The Pottawatomi as a tribe never took kindly to agriculture, four or five acres in corn was a large field. Their fields were usually cleared up from the edge of the timber along the streams, as the Indian had little use for the Prairie kind.” One account gives the cost of prairie in the early days from $2.50 to $4.00 per acre. Lumber was worth from $25.00 to $39.00 dollars per thousand feet. Oxen cost $100.00 a yoke, mules from $100.00 to $200.00, horses $75.00 to $150.00, sheep $2.00 a head and chickens 25¢ each. Masons and carpenters received $2.00 to $3.00 per day in wages. Wheat was worth $1.50 per bushel and flour $4.50 per hundred pounds. From newspapers of 1877: “New corn brought in for shipment is getting 18¢ to 20¢ and corn huskers have been in demand at $1.00 per day and board; 2.5¢ per bushel thrown on the ground or 3.5¢ in the crib.” “Mr. Lambert James, a farmer living a few miles west of town has this season manufactured 1,500 gallon of sorghum molasses, which he readily disposed of at 50¢ per gallon.” But challenges persisted for early settlers. Although this was an extremely desirable area for agriculture and the raising of livestock, it was not possible for the early settlers to procure manufactured goods from the East without paying an extremely high freight bill. It was also impossible to ship their grain and produce economically. River freight was tried but the Kaw River often times did not have enough water to make shipping dependable so the answer to this problem was the railroad. Rossville’s answer came May 18, 1866, when the first train passed through the town. Corn was the main crop and early editors gave much space extolling its excellence. Corn cribs were numerous along the south side of the railroad tracks and on the east side of north Main. A water powered grist mill was located on Cross Creek north of town. Mulvane Bros. built a steam powered mill south of the railroad tracks. One of the earliest farmers was Henry Ford, who acquired 80 acres southwest of Rossville in 1864. His wife was the former Mary Nadeau, who came to Rossville from Indiana in 1862. Henry Ford came to Kansas in 1863 and was a stage coach driver for the Overland Stage Company between Topeka and Manhattan. He met his wife at “Buttermilk Station” where she worked for her brother, Big Alex Nadeau. While working to clear their land of timber and build a log house, they lived in one room of a three room house, west of Cross Creek, north of the old Oregon and California trails. The other two rooms were occupied by Dr. and Mrs. R.S. Gabbey and Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Higginbotham. After the Fords moved into their log cabin, Mrs. Ford often rode horseback nine miles with her baby to the mission in St. Marys. The first flowers she had to plant by the cabin were given to her by the nuns at the Mission. Another early farmer, John DeGraff settled south of Rossville in 1865. He and his wife, the former Frances Navarre, lived in a small dugout until their house was built. The following is a list of early farmers: Name | Year to Rossville | Origin Archibald Abbott 1870 Kingston, Canada West Joseph Andrews Westmoreland County, Pa. W. Thomas Andrews 1879 McKay, Ohio Joseph Beseau 1875 Monroe County, Michigan John A. Bond 1872 Tyler County, W. Virginia William Bond 1873 Tyler County, W. Virginia John DeGraff 1865 James DeVinney 1880 Ross County, Ohio Benjamin Franklin 1869 Ross County, Ohio John Fritz 1877 Somerset County, Pa. Martin Hass 1877 Richland County, Ohio Henry Kassabaum 1877 Brookmell, Prussia T.J. Kiernan 1868 Elzey E. Kinsey 1877 Ohio Henry Lipp 1868 South Germany Isaac McCollough 1873 Holmes County, Ohio R. McCollough 1878 Holmes County, Ohio Michael O’halaron 1880 Samuel Oldfield 1878 Derbyshire, England S.J. Oliver 1876 Edward Partelow 1868 Newport, Kentucky Thomas L. Ross 1882 Cincinnati, Ohio M.M. Standley 1874 Carroll County, Indiana Bennett Swearingen 1868 Meigs County, Ohio Isaac B. Trostel 1877 Perry County, Pa. Frank Van Vleck 1878 William Wax 1878 Juniata County, Pa. Daniel Wilt 1876 York County, Pa. Henry York 1869 Zurich, Switzerland Peter H. Zickefoose 1874 Highland County, W. Virginia Samuel Beals 1867 E.S. Doud 1869 W.L. James Wm. Kirkpatrick 1871 Frank L. Sanders John Heslet Noel Graves W.W. Janes J.K. Conley 1870 Yates County, New York Startup, Ab Thomas Attebury 1877 George Hejtmanek 1880 Wisowitz, Moravia, Austria D. Hartzell 1872 Francis E. Williams 1876 New York Captain John Gutshall Col. A.S. Stanley 1880 Meigs Co., Ohio Martin Nason 1872 Jos. Van Vleck 1878 M.L. Cless 1876 B.W. Higginbotham 1861 Thomas Moss 1877 J.M. Parr Clay Co. Indiana J.A. Parr Clay Co. Indiana H.W. Lipp 1878 Illinois Samuel B. Zickefoose 1869 West Virginia Mrs. Jane Jackson 1875 Scotland Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1950 4-H State Fair results, Meetings & Events, Rossville, Kansas Description An account of the resource 4-H CLUB NOTES August 24, 1950 The Rossville Rustlers 4-H Club met Monday night, August 21, at the Community Center for their regular monthly meeting. Roll call was answered by "Topics," followed by a short business meeting. A demonstration on "Fruit Drinks," was given by Jean and Jeanette Nadeau. Shirley Pitts gave the Parliamentary problems and practices. Recreation was led by Barbara Gentry. The next meeting will be September 18, at 8 pm 4-H NEWS September 21, 1950 The Rossville Rustlers 4-H club, which met September 18, in the community building for the regular meeting, decided to sponsor a food sale on September 23, at the Community building, for their money making project of the year. The Rustlers will also be host to the next County Wide 4-H Party which will be at the Community building on October 9 from 8 to 10 p. m. Barbara Gentry. Ruth Olson and Shirley Mesmer are on the foods committee and Jeanette Nadeau is publicity chairman for the food sale. Mrs. Vina McCoid handed out enrollment cards for next year. She also reported that all the record sheets had been handed in but one. Those on the nominating committee for new 4-H officers are, Roy D. Davis, Genevieve Bixby and Melvin Ketter. The club opened the program by singing "Battle Hymn of Republic." Robert Lambert gave a historian talk on Crocodiles. A spelling bee and games were enjoyed for recreation —Reporter, Shirley Mesmer. 4-H CARD OF THANKS September 28, 1950 The Rossville Rustlers 4-H Club wants to thank the parents who donated so generously to the Food Sale and those who patronized it. We also thank Mr. Navarre for his free advertising—Rossville Rustlers. 4-H CLUB ENTERTAINS AT COUNTY-WIDE PARTY October 12, 1950 Monday evening the Rossville Rustlers 4-H Club was host to a county-wide 4-H party at the community building. Mr. Merle Eyestone was in charge. There were 165 members and leaders present. Under the capable leadership of Mr. Eyestone the 150 members were kept busy for two hours playing the musical folk games he provided. After refreshments of cider and doughnuts the party broke up at 9:30 all saying they had a wonderful time and expressing admiration for Rossville's beautiful community center. SHAWNEE 4-Hers WIN AT FAIR September 28, 1950 Shawnee County 4-Hers came home from the state fair in Hutchinson with three grand championships and a lot of blue ribbons. Club Agent Merle Eyestone reported Saturday. The Shawnee County 4-H booth on "Better Wiring for Better Living," constructed by Joe Conley of Rossville won the trophy for the best booth. The Shawnee poultry team of Melvin Martinek, Gerhard Malm and Norman Oberhelman won first place over 15 other teams and earned a trip to the national contest to be held in Chicago in December. Martinek was the second high individual in the contest. Oberhelman was seventh and Malm was eighth. Adding to honors won was the crops judging team of James McCoid Joe Conley and Bob Reid which took first place over 14 other county teams. McCoid was second high individual in the contest and Reid was seventh. Marilyn Brown and Reid both won blue ribbons in the style show and best groomed boy's contest. Mary Simpson was chosen from the 800 delegates to the camp to conduct the organizations and functioning of the camp. Robert Engler's baby beef won a blue ribbon as did the Chester White pigs of Phyllis Cole. The dairy team won sixth place competing with 23 teams and the livestock team was thirtieth among 63 teams. In the home economics judging and food preparation the Shawnee County team of Ruth Simpson, Rosaline Bosworth and Lois Perry was third out of 51 teams. ROSSVILLE RUSTLERS 4-H CLUB October 26, 1950 The regular monthly meeting of the Rossville 4-H Rustlers was held Monday night, Oct. 23, at the Community Center, with 26 members, 4 guests and two leaders present. The meeting was opened by giving the Flag Salute. The business session followed in which it was decided to contribute the money taken in at 4-H Sunday to the new Community Center. The president announced that the club made $31.17 from the Food Sale held two weeks ago. The election of officers followed. They are President, Burns Hesse; vice-president , Joe Conley; treasurer, Shirley Mesmer; reporter, Shirley Pitts; song leader, Barbara Gentry; council members, Robert Reid and Barbara Gentry; pianist, Shirley Mesmer; community club leaders, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Davis with Mrs. Frederic Zickefoose as assistant. The following program was given: Health Talk, Roy Davis; Current Events, Barbara Gentry; Music Appreciation, Ruth Olson. Recreation consisting of games was enjoyed by all. Refreshments of candy bars were served. — Shirley Pitts, Reporter. ROSSVILLE RUSTLERS 4-H NEWS November 16, 1950 Burns Hesse, Joe Conley, Robert Reid, Barbara Gentry, Shirley Mesmer, Shirley Pitts, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Davis and Mrs. Frederic Zickefoose attended the 4-H officers' training school at YWCA in Topeka Thursday night, November 9. "Guest Night" will be observed at the regular monthly meeting of the Rossville 4-H club Monday night, November 20, at 8 o'clock at the Community Center. Each 4-H club family will present their guest who in turn will appear on the program. Let's have more parents present. Help support your Rossville 4-H club by attending all club meetings. The meetings are held every 4th Monday night in the month. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rossville Reporter, Rossville, Kansas This work is copyrighted; the copyright holder has granted permission for this item to be used by the Rossville Community Library. This permission does not extend to third parties. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1950 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RCL0656 http://recollectionsks.org/files/original/6f233832796309b9bdabeb59c63cc7eb.jpeg 04c7a924689a2fdb01110b0b1e735a2a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Rossville Agricultural History Subject The topic of the resource Farming/Ranching Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rossville Community Library Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Rossville Centennial Booklet, 1971 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Rossville Community Library Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Public Domain due to copyright expiration. Original narrative content by RCL is available for use by public. Description An account of the resource Rossville is fortunately situated in many ways—we are near a large city, Topeka, but far enough away to retain our own identity; we can be considered a bedroom community to Topeka since so many residents commute to work to the larger city; we are just north of the Kansas River and enjoy the fertile “Kaw River Valley,” which has benefited agriculture in our community since its very beginnings. From the early days, Rossville Township was blessed with fertile creek and river-bottom land, combined with the upland, which consisted of bluestem grass. The early settlers broke and cleared the bottom lands and part of the upland prairie. The settlers of the 1860-70s began farming and found the soil fertile and productive. However, the task of clearing the timberland and breaking prairie sod must have seemed insurmountable. Corn and wheat, the main crops, and cattle, hogs and other livestock-raising, became the basic agriculture of Rossville township. Many of these early farmers came to Kansas seeking land. They traveled by ox cart and wagon before the railroad went through, following the Oregon and other trails. Settlers bought land from the Santa Fe Railroad or from members of the Citizen Potawatomi Band, who were selling their allotment land. The first mention of early agriculture in Rossville comes from Dr. Gabbey’s account, written in 1886: “The Pottawatomi as a tribe never took kindly to agriculture, four or five acres in corn was a large field. Their fields were usually cleared up from the edge of the timber along the streams, as the Indian had little use for the Prairie kind.” One account gives the cost of prairie in the early days from $2.50 to $4.00 per acre. Lumber was worth from $25.00 to $39.00 dollars per thousand feet. Oxen cost $100.00 a yoke, mules from $100.00 to $200.00, horses $75.00 to $150.00, sheep $2.00 a head and chickens 25¢ each. Masons and carpenters received $2.00 to $3.00 per day in wages. Wheat was worth $1.50 per bushel and flour $4.50 per hundred pounds. From newspapers of 1877: “New corn brought in for shipment is getting 18¢ to 20¢ and corn huskers have been in demand at $1.00 per day and board; 2.5¢ per bushel thrown on the ground or 3.5¢ in the crib.” “Mr. Lambert James, a farmer living a few miles west of town has this season manufactured 1,500 gallon of sorghum molasses, which he readily disposed of at 50¢ per gallon.” But challenges persisted for early settlers. Although this was an extremely desirable area for agriculture and the raising of livestock, it was not possible for the early settlers to procure manufactured goods from the East without paying an extremely high freight bill. It was also impossible to ship their grain and produce economically. River freight was tried but the Kaw River often times did not have enough water to make shipping dependable so the answer to this problem was the railroad. Rossville’s answer came May 18, 1866, when the first train passed through the town. Corn was the main crop and early editors gave much space extolling its excellence. Corn cribs were numerous along the south side of the railroad tracks and on the east side of north Main. A water powered grist mill was located on Cross Creek north of town. Mulvane Bros. built a steam powered mill south of the railroad tracks. One of the earliest farmers was Henry Ford, who acquired 80 acres southwest of Rossville in 1864. His wife was the former Mary Nadeau, who came to Rossville from Indiana in 1862. Henry Ford came to Kansas in 1863 and was a stage coach driver for the Overland Stage Company between Topeka and Manhattan. He met his wife at “Buttermilk Station” where she worked for her brother, Big Alex Nadeau. While working to clear their land of timber and build a log house, they lived in one room of a three room house, west of Cross Creek, north of the old Oregon and California trails. The other two rooms were occupied by Dr. and Mrs. R.S. Gabbey and Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Higginbotham. After the Fords moved into their log cabin, Mrs. Ford often rode horseback nine miles with her baby to the mission in St. Marys. The first flowers she had to plant by the cabin were given to her by the nuns at the Mission. Another early farmer, John DeGraff settled south of Rossville in 1865. He and his wife, the former Frances Navarre, lived in a small dugout until their house was built. The following is a list of early farmers: Name | Year to Rossville | Origin Archibald Abbott 1870 Kingston, Canada West Joseph Andrews Westmoreland County, Pa. W. Thomas Andrews 1879 McKay, Ohio Joseph Beseau 1875 Monroe County, Michigan John A. Bond 1872 Tyler County, W. Virginia William Bond 1873 Tyler County, W. Virginia John DeGraff 1865 James DeVinney 1880 Ross County, Ohio Benjamin Franklin 1869 Ross County, Ohio John Fritz 1877 Somerset County, Pa. Martin Hass 1877 Richland County, Ohio Henry Kassabaum 1877 Brookmell, Prussia T.J. Kiernan 1868 Elzey E. Kinsey 1877 Ohio Henry Lipp 1868 South Germany Isaac McCollough 1873 Holmes County, Ohio R. McCollough 1878 Holmes County, Ohio Michael O’halaron 1880 Samuel Oldfield 1878 Derbyshire, England S.J. Oliver 1876 Edward Partelow 1868 Newport, Kentucky Thomas L. Ross 1882 Cincinnati, Ohio M.M. Standley 1874 Carroll County, Indiana Bennett Swearingen 1868 Meigs County, Ohio Isaac B. Trostel 1877 Perry County, Pa. Frank Van Vleck 1878 William Wax 1878 Juniata County, Pa. Daniel Wilt 1876 York County, Pa. Henry York 1869 Zurich, Switzerland Peter H. Zickefoose 1874 Highland County, W. Virginia Samuel Beals 1867 E.S. Doud 1869 W.L. James Wm. Kirkpatrick 1871 Frank L. Sanders John Heslet Noel Graves W.W. Janes J.K. Conley 1870 Yates County, New York Startup, Ab Thomas Attebury 1877 George Hejtmanek 1880 Wisowitz, Moravia, Austria D. Hartzell 1872 Francis E. Williams 1876 New York Captain John Gutshall Col. A.S. Stanley 1880 Meigs Co., Ohio Martin Nason 1872 Jos. Van Vleck 1878 M.L. Cless 1876 B.W. Higginbotham 1861 Thomas Moss 1877 J.M. Parr Clay Co. Indiana J.A. Parr Clay Co. Indiana H.W. Lipp 1878 Illinois Samuel B. Zickefoose 1869 West Virginia Mrs. Jane Jackson 1875 Scotland Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1950 4-H Annual Picnic, Meetings & Programs, Rossville, Kansas Description An account of the resource 4-H CLUB NOTES January 19, 1950 The Rossville Rustlers met Monday, January 16, in the grade school gym for the regular meeting. The president called the meeting to order, and it was opened by members repeating the flag salute and singing "America the Beautiful." Roll call was answered by the special topics. We discussed and voted to pay the rest of our bills. We voted to give a model meeting in 4-H club day activities. Mrs. Ruth Hesse will help us with this meeting. We talked of other possibilities for the day. They include a demonstration, sextet or a talk. The program was given by the officers. Robert Reid gave a health talk on Athlete's Foot; a brief history of the song "America" was given by Shirley Mesmer, and Teresa Bixby gave moving a motion for parliamentary problems and practice. Robert Rafferty demonstrated how to clean a gun, and James McCoid gave a report on hunting safety. Joe Conley had recreation. The meeting was adjourned by repeating the club pledge. —Shirley Mesmer, Reporter 4-H CLUB NOTES March 16, 1950 The Rossville Rustlers 4-H club met February 26, at the grade school gym for their regular meeting which had been postponed to this date. James McCoid called the meeting to order and it was opened by roll call. They decided to have both a boys and a girls basketball team to compete in the tournament. Mrs. Pitts will coach the girls and Bob Gentry will coach the boys. On the program was a foods demonstration by Linda and Shirley Pitts; conservation number, Feeding the Birds, by Roy D. Davis; and Care of the Cold, by Jeanette Nadeau. After the regular meeting was adjourned, practice for our model meeting was held.—Shirley Mesmer, Reporter. 4-H NOTES June 15, 1950 The Rossville 4-H club visited the West Union 4-H at their regular meeting on June 14, in the West Union school house. After the Wildcat's business meeting, the Rossville Rustlers presented the program. Shirley Mesmer, gave a health talk on polio; Jeanette Nadeau give a music appreciation on "Dixie"; Joe Conley played "Red Wing and "Red River Valley" on his harmonica. The Wildcats had recreation and refreshments after the meeting was dismissed. The Rustlers had a good time and wish to thank West Union for inviting them.—Shirley Mesmer, Reporter 4-H CLUB NEWS March 23, 1950 Mrs. Lorene Harth, Mrs. Helen Wilt and Mrs Margaret Hejtmanek, home- town registered nurses, attended the meeting of the Rossville Rustlers 4-H Club last Monday, March 20, at the grade school and were special speakers on the program. Mrs. Wilt gave a brief history on the beginning of nurses. Here are some of the interesting facts brought out: The first nursing began around 380 A. D. Then nursing dropped out until the 18th century when Florence Nightingale, the world's most outstanding nurse, appeared. The next interest started the science of nursing. Mrs. Harth told about the services of the Public Health department and what they did to better health. Mrs. Hejtmanek then showed an educational picture on teeth. Other numbers on the program were group singing. Joe Conley and Jerry Pearl gave a demonstration on different bandages and their use. Mrs Vina McCoid had charge of recreation which included a race and singing stunt. We opened the meeting by singing "Billy Boy" and roll call was answered by individual topics. The club voted to send a leader to Leaders' Conference, and to pay the conference expense. Mrs. McCoid read the criticism about our activities on 4-H Day. The next meeting will be April 17.— Shirley Mesmer, Reporter. 4-H CLUB NEWS May 25, 1950 Bill Garden and Trooper McCabe attended the regular meeting of the Rossville Rustlers 4-H club, which had been postponed until May 22, at the grade school and participated in our annual safety program. On the first part of the program Bill Garden gave an interesting talk on safety. Then Trooper McCabe showed some films. The first was "Danny Boy," a story of a boy and his dog. The other two were safety pictures. "Driven to Kill" and "Traffic with the Devil." Other numbers on the program were "Glow Worm," sung by the girls and "Ploughing Song" sung by the boys. Jeanette Nadeau gave a music appreciation on "Dixie." Burns gave a safety talk on fluorescent lights. Instead of recreation, pictures of the grade school children, which were taken this spring were shown. The club discussed exchanging programs with West Union 4-H club and Joe Conley, Shirley Trahoon and Linda Pitts were appointed to make plans for the program Jerry Pearl, Barbara Gentry and Jean Nadeau were appointed to work out transportation and stops for the 4-H tour. Mr Eyestone checked the club projects. Mr. and Mrs. Merle Eyestone were guests at our meeting. There were also a number of parents and friends visiting.—Shirley Mesmer, Reporter. The Rossville Reporter THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 1950 4-H CLUB NEWS A stunt show in which all the members participated, took the place of the regular program in the Rossville Rustlers’ meeting on April 17, at the grade school. First on the program was Joe Conley and Burns Hesse with their ukeleles, James McCoid and his banjo, and Robert Rafferty. They played and sang "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean," "Red River Valley," "Home on the Range," and "Goodnight, Ladies." Joe Conley played "Music, Music, Music," "Red Wing," and "Quick Silver" on his harmonica. Anita Rundus brought us back to our childhood days by reciting "Little Orphan Annie." Ruth Olson, Genevieve Bixby, Elzora Marney, and Teresa Bixby sang "My Happiness." Robert Reid, Jerry Pearl and Melvin Ketter sang "Powder Your Face with Sunshine," and Jeanette Nadeau, Shirley Pitts, Shirley Trahoon and Darlene Allen sang "I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts." Robert Lambert entertained us with some riddles, and Shirley Mesmer gave a little poem which told what happens to curious people. Linda Pitts, Linda Wilt, Jean Nadeau and Ruth Kovar sang a late hit parade number, "Dear Hearts and Gentle People." Roy D. Davis sang "Chautauqua Shoe Shine Boy." Bob Gentry and Robert Reid sang "Maybe You'll Be There." Mrs. McCoid concluded our program by directing a little play. The cast, composed of the members, included trees, curtains, benches, chairs, a mother and father, some children, two nurses, a villain and a hero. O yes, the title of the play was "Gathering Nuts." The meeting was opened by the club singing "Sweetly Sings the Donkey." Shirley Trahoon will represent our club in the health contest. The delegates selected for 4-H Round-up are Genevieve Bixy [sic; Bixby] and Burns Hesse. —Shirley Mesmer, Reporter 4-H CLUB PICNIC The 4-H Club members and their families will enjoy the annual picnic Wednesday July 28, at River Side park, at St. Marys at 6:30. Bring basket supper and table service for your family.—Shirley Mesmer, Reporter 4-H NEWS July 27, 1950 Parents and 4-Hers enjoyed the annual picnic of the Rossville Rustlers on July 26, at St. Marys park. After serving a short business meeting was held. It was voted to pay the bills for pop, paper plates, etc. There was a short discussion about the Northwestern Kansas Judging school. Recreation was swimming.—Shirley Mesmer, Reporter. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rossville Reporter, Rossville, Kansas This work is copyrighted; the copyright holder has granted permission for this item to be used by the Rossville Community Library. This permission does not extend to third parties. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1950 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RCL0657 http://recollectionsks.org/files/original/b7a9474728a187be21c479c22517b45b.jpg cf90b62a4de05fea7b210f4e696fbc43 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Rossville Agricultural History Subject The topic of the resource Farming/Ranching Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rossville Community Library Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Rossville Centennial Booklet, 1971 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Rossville Community Library Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Public Domain due to copyright expiration. Original narrative content by RCL is available for use by public. Description An account of the resource Rossville is fortunately situated in many ways—we are near a large city, Topeka, but far enough away to retain our own identity; we can be considered a bedroom community to Topeka since so many residents commute to work to the larger city; we are just north of the Kansas River and enjoy the fertile “Kaw River Valley,” which has benefited agriculture in our community since its very beginnings. From the early days, Rossville Township was blessed with fertile creek and river-bottom land, combined with the upland, which consisted of bluestem grass. The early settlers broke and cleared the bottom lands and part of the upland prairie. The settlers of the 1860-70s began farming and found the soil fertile and productive. However, the task of clearing the timberland and breaking prairie sod must have seemed insurmountable. Corn and wheat, the main crops, and cattle, hogs and other livestock-raising, became the basic agriculture of Rossville township. Many of these early farmers came to Kansas seeking land. They traveled by ox cart and wagon before the railroad went through, following the Oregon and other trails. Settlers bought land from the Santa Fe Railroad or from members of the Citizen Potawatomi Band, who were selling their allotment land. The first mention of early agriculture in Rossville comes from Dr. Gabbey’s account, written in 1886: “The Pottawatomi as a tribe never took kindly to agriculture, four or five acres in corn was a large field. Their fields were usually cleared up from the edge of the timber along the streams, as the Indian had little use for the Prairie kind.” One account gives the cost of prairie in the early days from $2.50 to $4.00 per acre. Lumber was worth from $25.00 to $39.00 dollars per thousand feet. Oxen cost $100.00 a yoke, mules from $100.00 to $200.00, horses $75.00 to $150.00, sheep $2.00 a head and chickens 25¢ each. Masons and carpenters received $2.00 to $3.00 per day in wages. Wheat was worth $1.50 per bushel and flour $4.50 per hundred pounds. From newspapers of 1877: “New corn brought in for shipment is getting 18¢ to 20¢ and corn huskers have been in demand at $1.00 per day and board; 2.5¢ per bushel thrown on the ground or 3.5¢ in the crib.” “Mr. Lambert James, a farmer living a few miles west of town has this season manufactured 1,500 gallon of sorghum molasses, which he readily disposed of at 50¢ per gallon.” But challenges persisted for early settlers. Although this was an extremely desirable area for agriculture and the raising of livestock, it was not possible for the early settlers to procure manufactured goods from the East without paying an extremely high freight bill. It was also impossible to ship their grain and produce economically. River freight was tried but the Kaw River often times did not have enough water to make shipping dependable so the answer to this problem was the railroad. Rossville’s answer came May 18, 1866, when the first train passed through the town. Corn was the main crop and early editors gave much space extolling its excellence. Corn cribs were numerous along the south side of the railroad tracks and on the east side of north Main. A water powered grist mill was located on Cross Creek north of town. Mulvane Bros. built a steam powered mill south of the railroad tracks. One of the earliest farmers was Henry Ford, who acquired 80 acres southwest of Rossville in 1864. His wife was the former Mary Nadeau, who came to Rossville from Indiana in 1862. Henry Ford came to Kansas in 1863 and was a stage coach driver for the Overland Stage Company between Topeka and Manhattan. He met his wife at “Buttermilk Station” where she worked for her brother, Big Alex Nadeau. While working to clear their land of timber and build a log house, they lived in one room of a three room house, west of Cross Creek, north of the old Oregon and California trails. The other two rooms were occupied by Dr. and Mrs. R.S. Gabbey and Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Higginbotham. After the Fords moved into their log cabin, Mrs. Ford often rode horseback nine miles with her baby to the mission in St. Marys. The first flowers she had to plant by the cabin were given to her by the nuns at the Mission. Another early farmer, John DeGraff settled south of Rossville in 1865. He and his wife, the former Frances Navarre, lived in a small dugout until their house was built. The following is a list of early farmers: Name | Year to Rossville | Origin Archibald Abbott 1870 Kingston, Canada West Joseph Andrews Westmoreland County, Pa. W. Thomas Andrews 1879 McKay, Ohio Joseph Beseau 1875 Monroe County, Michigan John A. Bond 1872 Tyler County, W. Virginia William Bond 1873 Tyler County, W. Virginia John DeGraff 1865 James DeVinney 1880 Ross County, Ohio Benjamin Franklin 1869 Ross County, Ohio John Fritz 1877 Somerset County, Pa. Martin Hass 1877 Richland County, Ohio Henry Kassabaum 1877 Brookmell, Prussia T.J. Kiernan 1868 Elzey E. Kinsey 1877 Ohio Henry Lipp 1868 South Germany Isaac McCollough 1873 Holmes County, Ohio R. McCollough 1878 Holmes County, Ohio Michael O’halaron 1880 Samuel Oldfield 1878 Derbyshire, England S.J. Oliver 1876 Edward Partelow 1868 Newport, Kentucky Thomas L. Ross 1882 Cincinnati, Ohio M.M. Standley 1874 Carroll County, Indiana Bennett Swearingen 1868 Meigs County, Ohio Isaac B. Trostel 1877 Perry County, Pa. Frank Van Vleck 1878 William Wax 1878 Juniata County, Pa. Daniel Wilt 1876 York County, Pa. Henry York 1869 Zurich, Switzerland Peter H. Zickefoose 1874 Highland County, W. Virginia Samuel Beals 1867 E.S. Doud 1869 W.L. James Wm. Kirkpatrick 1871 Frank L. Sanders John Heslet Noel Graves W.W. Janes J.K. Conley 1870 Yates County, New York Startup, Ab Thomas Attebury 1877 George Hejtmanek 1880 Wisowitz, Moravia, Austria D. Hartzell 1872 Francis E. Williams 1876 New York Captain John Gutshall Col. A.S. Stanley 1880 Meigs Co., Ohio Martin Nason 1872 Jos. Van Vleck 1878 M.L. Cless 1876 B.W. Higginbotham 1861 Thomas Moss 1877 J.M. Parr Clay Co. Indiana J.A. Parr Clay Co. Indiana H.W. Lipp 1878 Illinois Samuel B. Zickefoose 1869 West Virginia Mrs. Jane Jackson 1875 Scotland Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1951 4-H Shawnee County Fair & Community Project, Rossville, Kansas Description An account of the resource SHAWNEE CO. 4-H FAIR STOCK WINNERS August 23, 1951 Merle Eyestone, County 4-H agent, announces the following local winners on stock shown last Friday at the Kansas Free Fair grounds. Hereford baby beef, Roy Davis, blue ribbon; Marvin and Norma Rogers Dover, red ribbon. Shorthorn baby beef: Barbara Jones, Rossville, red ribbon. Duroc-Jersey pigs, Darrell Rezac, first and second blue ribbons. Purebred Spotted Poland china gilts: Melvin Martinek, Grove, blue ribbon, and other breeds of hogs; Melvin Martinek, first blue ribbon. Duroc-Jersey spring gilt pigs, Earl Miller, blue ribbon and Calvin Billings, West Union, red ribbon; Pat Anderson, Silver Lake, red ribbon. ROSSVILLE 4-H WINNERS September 6, 1951 Two Shawnee County 4-H members won trips to the Kansas State Fair, in Hutchinson, when they carried away top honors at the Shawnee County 4-H Style show and best dressed boy contest Saturday. Members included Leora Renyer, of Auburn 4-H club, was selected as the Grand champion of the Style show. Miss Renyer modeled a three-piece wool suit with reversible weskit. She carried out her costume with brown accessories. The entire ensemble had been made by the 16-year-old 4-H member. James 'Buzzie" McCoid, Rossville 4-H club received grand champion honors in the best-dressed boy contest. He modeled a blue business suit, four-in-hand tie and brown shoes. He is 17 years old and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harley McCoid. The reserve winner of the style show was Marilynne Brown of Wakarusa 4-H club. She wore a two-piece wool suit with companion jacket and a small checked wool skirt. Brown accesories carried out her costume, which was made by the 17-year-old girl. Reserve champion of the best boy contest was Joe Conley of Rossville, 4-H club. He wore a blue business suit; brown shoes and a four-in-hand tie. He is 17 years old and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Conley. The following girls won ribbons on modeling the clothing they had made for their 4-H projects. Linda Rezac, blue on her apron; Barbara Jones, red on her dress; Linda Pitts, blue on a wash dress; and Shirley Pitts, blue on a cotton wash dress. Mrs. Miriam Cade, Home Demonstration Agent from Lyon County, judged the entire show. More than 150 persons watched the Revue.—Shirley Pitts, Reporter. July 19, 1951 The regular monthly meeting of the Rossville Rustlers 4-H club will be held at the Community building, Monday, July 23, at 8 o'clock. Everyone try to attend. WANT YOUR MAIL BOX PAINTED? March 22, 1951 The Rossville Rustlers 4-H Club has selected for its community project the painting of mail boxes and adding the name of the owner, painted clearly. Stencils will be used for the lettering so you can be assured of a neat job. The goal is to have all mail boxes in Rossville Township painted and stenciled. Anyone in Rossville Township interested in availing themselves of this service, please notify Joe Conley or Roy D. Davis, at once. There will be a small fee of 25c per job to defray expenses. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rossville Reporter, Rossville, Kansas This work is copyrighted; the copyright holder has granted permission for this item to be used by the Rossville Community Library. This permission does not extend to third parties. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1951 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RCL0658 http://recollectionsks.org/files/original/47b056af459fd5cd24839d1f52c069a8.jpg e00015dddb72d9dcdbbf0ff69c2eefe6 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Rossville Agricultural History Subject The topic of the resource Farming/Ranching Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rossville Community Library Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Rossville Centennial Booklet, 1971 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Rossville Community Library Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Public Domain due to copyright expiration. Original narrative content by RCL is available for use by public. Description An account of the resource Rossville is fortunately situated in many ways—we are near a large city, Topeka, but far enough away to retain our own identity; we can be considered a bedroom community to Topeka since so many residents commute to work to the larger city; we are just north of the Kansas River and enjoy the fertile “Kaw River Valley,” which has benefited agriculture in our community since its very beginnings. From the early days, Rossville Township was blessed with fertile creek and river-bottom land, combined with the upland, which consisted of bluestem grass. The early settlers broke and cleared the bottom lands and part of the upland prairie. The settlers of the 1860-70s began farming and found the soil fertile and productive. However, the task of clearing the timberland and breaking prairie sod must have seemed insurmountable. Corn and wheat, the main crops, and cattle, hogs and other livestock-raising, became the basic agriculture of Rossville township. Many of these early farmers came to Kansas seeking land. They traveled by ox cart and wagon before the railroad went through, following the Oregon and other trails. Settlers bought land from the Santa Fe Railroad or from members of the Citizen Potawatomi Band, who were selling their allotment land. The first mention of early agriculture in Rossville comes from Dr. Gabbey’s account, written in 1886: “The Pottawatomi as a tribe never took kindly to agriculture, four or five acres in corn was a large field. Their fields were usually cleared up from the edge of the timber along the streams, as the Indian had little use for the Prairie kind.” One account gives the cost of prairie in the early days from $2.50 to $4.00 per acre. Lumber was worth from $25.00 to $39.00 dollars per thousand feet. Oxen cost $100.00 a yoke, mules from $100.00 to $200.00, horses $75.00 to $150.00, sheep $2.00 a head and chickens 25¢ each. Masons and carpenters received $2.00 to $3.00 per day in wages. Wheat was worth $1.50 per bushel and flour $4.50 per hundred pounds. From newspapers of 1877: “New corn brought in for shipment is getting 18¢ to 20¢ and corn huskers have been in demand at $1.00 per day and board; 2.5¢ per bushel thrown on the ground or 3.5¢ in the crib.” “Mr. Lambert James, a farmer living a few miles west of town has this season manufactured 1,500 gallon of sorghum molasses, which he readily disposed of at 50¢ per gallon.” But challenges persisted for early settlers. Although this was an extremely desirable area for agriculture and the raising of livestock, it was not possible for the early settlers to procure manufactured goods from the East without paying an extremely high freight bill. It was also impossible to ship their grain and produce economically. River freight was tried but the Kaw River often times did not have enough water to make shipping dependable so the answer to this problem was the railroad. Rossville’s answer came May 18, 1866, when the first train passed through the town. Corn was the main crop and early editors gave much space extolling its excellence. Corn cribs were numerous along the south side of the railroad tracks and on the east side of north Main. A water powered grist mill was located on Cross Creek north of town. Mulvane Bros. built a steam powered mill south of the railroad tracks. One of the earliest farmers was Henry Ford, who acquired 80 acres southwest of Rossville in 1864. His wife was the former Mary Nadeau, who came to Rossville from Indiana in 1862. Henry Ford came to Kansas in 1863 and was a stage coach driver for the Overland Stage Company between Topeka and Manhattan. He met his wife at “Buttermilk Station” where she worked for her brother, Big Alex Nadeau. While working to clear their land of timber and build a log house, they lived in one room of a three room house, west of Cross Creek, north of the old Oregon and California trails. The other two rooms were occupied by Dr. and Mrs. R.S. Gabbey and Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Higginbotham. After the Fords moved into their log cabin, Mrs. Ford often rode horseback nine miles with her baby to the mission in St. Marys. The first flowers she had to plant by the cabin were given to her by the nuns at the Mission. Another early farmer, John DeGraff settled south of Rossville in 1865. He and his wife, the former Frances Navarre, lived in a small dugout until their house was built. The following is a list of early farmers: Name | Year to Rossville | Origin Archibald Abbott 1870 Kingston, Canada West Joseph Andrews Westmoreland County, Pa. W. Thomas Andrews 1879 McKay, Ohio Joseph Beseau 1875 Monroe County, Michigan John A. Bond 1872 Tyler County, W. Virginia William Bond 1873 Tyler County, W. Virginia John DeGraff 1865 James DeVinney 1880 Ross County, Ohio Benjamin Franklin 1869 Ross County, Ohio John Fritz 1877 Somerset County, Pa. Martin Hass 1877 Richland County, Ohio Henry Kassabaum 1877 Brookmell, Prussia T.J. Kiernan 1868 Elzey E. Kinsey 1877 Ohio Henry Lipp 1868 South Germany Isaac McCollough 1873 Holmes County, Ohio R. McCollough 1878 Holmes County, Ohio Michael O’halaron 1880 Samuel Oldfield 1878 Derbyshire, England S.J. Oliver 1876 Edward Partelow 1868 Newport, Kentucky Thomas L. Ross 1882 Cincinnati, Ohio M.M. Standley 1874 Carroll County, Indiana Bennett Swearingen 1868 Meigs County, Ohio Isaac B. Trostel 1877 Perry County, Pa. Frank Van Vleck 1878 William Wax 1878 Juniata County, Pa. Daniel Wilt 1876 York County, Pa. Henry York 1869 Zurich, Switzerland Peter H. Zickefoose 1874 Highland County, W. Virginia Samuel Beals 1867 E.S. Doud 1869 W.L. James Wm. Kirkpatrick 1871 Frank L. Sanders John Heslet Noel Graves W.W. Janes J.K. Conley 1870 Yates County, New York Startup, Ab Thomas Attebury 1877 George Hejtmanek 1880 Wisowitz, Moravia, Austria D. Hartzell 1872 Francis E. Williams 1876 New York Captain John Gutshall Col. A.S. Stanley 1880 Meigs Co., Ohio Martin Nason 1872 Jos. Van Vleck 1878 M.L. Cless 1876 B.W. Higginbotham 1861 Thomas Moss 1877 J.M. Parr Clay Co. Indiana J.A. Parr Clay Co. Indiana H.W. Lipp 1878 Illinois Samuel B. Zickefoose 1869 West Virginia Mrs. Jane Jackson 1875 Scotland Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1953-06 4-H Cooking Meeting, Rossville, Kansas Description An account of the resource 4-H NEWS June 1953 By Barbara Gentry There were 12 girls and three leaders at the first 4-H cooking meeting June 1. The leaders handed out pamphlets on different cooking methods. Our next meeting, June 9, will start at 10:00 a. m. at the Community building. We will plan and make a dinner. Everyone please try to be there. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rossville Reporter, Rossville, Kansas This work is copyrighted; the copyright holder has granted permission for this item to be used by the Rossville Community Library. This permission does not extend to third parties. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 1953 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RCL0659 http://recollectionsks.org/files/original/b8bb0a1e60810062ea74c2ec233f2166.jpg 4cee570c46aa5850374425c55e6ddb6f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Rossville Agricultural History Subject The topic of the resource Farming/Ranching Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rossville Community Library Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Rossville Centennial Booklet, 1971 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Rossville Community Library Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Public Domain due to copyright expiration. Original narrative content by RCL is available for use by public. Description An account of the resource Rossville is fortunately situated in many ways—we are near a large city, Topeka, but far enough away to retain our own identity; we can be considered a bedroom community to Topeka since so many residents commute to work to the larger city; we are just north of the Kansas River and enjoy the fertile “Kaw River Valley,” which has benefited agriculture in our community since its very beginnings. From the early days, Rossville Township was blessed with fertile creek and river-bottom land, combined with the upland, which consisted of bluestem grass. The early settlers broke and cleared the bottom lands and part of the upland prairie. The settlers of the 1860-70s began farming and found the soil fertile and productive. However, the task of clearing the timberland and breaking prairie sod must have seemed insurmountable. Corn and wheat, the main crops, and cattle, hogs and other livestock-raising, became the basic agriculture of Rossville township. Many of these early farmers came to Kansas seeking land. They traveled by ox cart and wagon before the railroad went through, following the Oregon and other trails. Settlers bought land from the Santa Fe Railroad or from members of the Citizen Potawatomi Band, who were selling their allotment land. The first mention of early agriculture in Rossville comes from Dr. Gabbey’s account, written in 1886: “The Pottawatomi as a tribe never took kindly to agriculture, four or five acres in corn was a large field. Their fields were usually cleared up from the edge of the timber along the streams, as the Indian had little use for the Prairie kind.” One account gives the cost of prairie in the early days from $2.50 to $4.00 per acre. Lumber was worth from $25.00 to $39.00 dollars per thousand feet. Oxen cost $100.00 a yoke, mules from $100.00 to $200.00, horses $75.00 to $150.00, sheep $2.00 a head and chickens 25¢ each. Masons and carpenters received $2.00 to $3.00 per day in wages. Wheat was worth $1.50 per bushel and flour $4.50 per hundred pounds. From newspapers of 1877: “New corn brought in for shipment is getting 18¢ to 20¢ and corn huskers have been in demand at $1.00 per day and board; 2.5¢ per bushel thrown on the ground or 3.5¢ in the crib.” “Mr. Lambert James, a farmer living a few miles west of town has this season manufactured 1,500 gallon of sorghum molasses, which he readily disposed of at 50¢ per gallon.” But challenges persisted for early settlers. Although this was an extremely desirable area for agriculture and the raising of livestock, it was not possible for the early settlers to procure manufactured goods from the East without paying an extremely high freight bill. It was also impossible to ship their grain and produce economically. River freight was tried but the Kaw River often times did not have enough water to make shipping dependable so the answer to this problem was the railroad. Rossville’s answer came May 18, 1866, when the first train passed through the town. Corn was the main crop and early editors gave much space extolling its excellence. Corn cribs were numerous along the south side of the railroad tracks and on the east side of north Main. A water powered grist mill was located on Cross Creek north of town. Mulvane Bros. built a steam powered mill south of the railroad tracks. One of the earliest farmers was Henry Ford, who acquired 80 acres southwest of Rossville in 1864. His wife was the former Mary Nadeau, who came to Rossville from Indiana in 1862. Henry Ford came to Kansas in 1863 and was a stage coach driver for the Overland Stage Company between Topeka and Manhattan. He met his wife at “Buttermilk Station” where she worked for her brother, Big Alex Nadeau. While working to clear their land of timber and build a log house, they lived in one room of a three room house, west of Cross Creek, north of the old Oregon and California trails. The other two rooms were occupied by Dr. and Mrs. R.S. Gabbey and Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Higginbotham. After the Fords moved into their log cabin, Mrs. Ford often rode horseback nine miles with her baby to the mission in St. Marys. The first flowers she had to plant by the cabin were given to her by the nuns at the Mission. Another early farmer, John DeGraff settled south of Rossville in 1865. He and his wife, the former Frances Navarre, lived in a small dugout until their house was built. The following is a list of early farmers: Name | Year to Rossville | Origin Archibald Abbott 1870 Kingston, Canada West Joseph Andrews Westmoreland County, Pa. W. Thomas Andrews 1879 McKay, Ohio Joseph Beseau 1875 Monroe County, Michigan John A. Bond 1872 Tyler County, W. Virginia William Bond 1873 Tyler County, W. Virginia John DeGraff 1865 James DeVinney 1880 Ross County, Ohio Benjamin Franklin 1869 Ross County, Ohio John Fritz 1877 Somerset County, Pa. Martin Hass 1877 Richland County, Ohio Henry Kassabaum 1877 Brookmell, Prussia T.J. Kiernan 1868 Elzey E. Kinsey 1877 Ohio Henry Lipp 1868 South Germany Isaac McCollough 1873 Holmes County, Ohio R. McCollough 1878 Holmes County, Ohio Michael O’halaron 1880 Samuel Oldfield 1878 Derbyshire, England S.J. Oliver 1876 Edward Partelow 1868 Newport, Kentucky Thomas L. Ross 1882 Cincinnati, Ohio M.M. Standley 1874 Carroll County, Indiana Bennett Swearingen 1868 Meigs County, Ohio Isaac B. Trostel 1877 Perry County, Pa. Frank Van Vleck 1878 William Wax 1878 Juniata County, Pa. Daniel Wilt 1876 York County, Pa. Henry York 1869 Zurich, Switzerland Peter H. Zickefoose 1874 Highland County, W. Virginia Samuel Beals 1867 E.S. Doud 1869 W.L. James Wm. Kirkpatrick 1871 Frank L. Sanders John Heslet Noel Graves W.W. Janes J.K. Conley 1870 Yates County, New York Startup, Ab Thomas Attebury 1877 George Hejtmanek 1880 Wisowitz, Moravia, Austria D. Hartzell 1872 Francis E. Williams 1876 New York Captain John Gutshall Col. A.S. Stanley 1880 Meigs Co., Ohio Martin Nason 1872 Jos. Van Vleck 1878 M.L. Cless 1876 B.W. Higginbotham 1861 Thomas Moss 1877 J.M. Parr Clay Co. Indiana J.A. Parr Clay Co. Indiana H.W. Lipp 1878 Illinois Samuel B. Zickefoose 1869 West Virginia Mrs. Jane Jackson 1875 Scotland Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1955-02-24 4-H Club History 1946-1955, Rossville, Kansas Description An account of the resource THE ROSSVILLE REPORTER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1955 4-H Histories Special for the Reporter By Merle Eyestone HISTORY OF ROSSVILLE 4-H CLUB SINCE 1946 The Rossville Club is one of the oldest clubs in Shawnee county being organized in the late twenties. In 1947 the Club had 29 members. Rossville is proud of its 4-H and FFA Club work. Signs like the above were one of the many projects undertaken by the clubs the past year. These were placed on both the west and east edge of town on Highway 24 and 40. Rossville's club had many outstanding members the past year and from the progress, they'll be champions this coming year. Mr. V. P. Hoobler and Mrs. Ernest Rezac were community leaders. Since 1947 There have been 121 different boys and girls in the Rossville Community who have belonged to the Club. Several high honors have come to the club and individual members during this nine year period. State winners include: Bill Hesse, tractor maintenance; Everett Hoobler, field crops; Bob Gentry, junior leadership and livestock; James McCoid, garden and potato; Joe Conley, Farm Home Electric. All these boys received trips to the National Club Congress in Chicago. In addition to the above winners Everett Hoobler was a member of the State winning livestock judging team in 1949; Fred Coffey and Barbara Jones were members of the State winning poultry team that placed second in the National contest in 1953; Robert Reid, James McCoid and Joe Conley were members of the State winning crops team in 1950. The Club has won the following seals: 1947 - gold; 1948 - gold; 1949 -none; 1950 - red; 1951 - red; 1952 -none; 1953 - purple; 1954 - purple. The Club received the outstanding club participation plaque at the 1953 4-H Fair. Scholarships have been won by James McCoid and Bob Gentry. Barbara Jones was State winner in Dairy Production and won a trip to National Dairy Show in Waterloo in 1953. Mrs. Marvin Davis, community leader accompanied the State group. Clyde McKenzie, Gerald Lister, James McCoid and Mrs. Harley McCoid have made trips to Chicago with the 4-H Band. Leaders of the Rossville Club since 1946 have been Community leaders: Mr. V. P. Hoobler, Mrs. Ernest Rezac, Mrs Harlev McCoid. Bob Gentry, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Davis and the present leaders are Mrs. Howard French and Mr. V. D. Jones. Project leaders have included: Mrs. Roy Wilt, Mrs. James Rezac, Mrs. Francis Davis, Mr. Joe Campbell, Mrs. Ray Hudson, Mrs. Elmer Lynde, Mrs. Harold Reser, Mrs. Chris Viergever, Mrs. Fred Zickefoose and Mrs. Pitts. Members and former members include: Ernestine Adams, Nancy Adams, Darlene Allen, Kay Bason, Mary Besta, Gale Bennett, Bennie Besta, Genevieve Bixby, Teresa Bixby, Dolores Britt, Ann Boyd, Etta Coffey, Fred Coffey, Patty Coffey, Phyllis Coffey, Barbara Coke, Colleen Coke, Joe Conley, Pauline Curwich, Dean Davis, Gene Davis, Roy Davis, Sharon Davis, Gerald Lewis, Bennie Dick, Junior Dick, Grace Dick, Wayne Dick, Gary French, Laird French, Harold Fowler, Barbara Gentry, Bob Gentry, Bill Gentry, Betty Gentry, Jerrie Gleason, Linda Hurley, Arlan Hoobler, Everett Hoobler, Richard Hoobler, Bill Hesse, Burns Hesse, Kenneth Heiland, Janet Hause, Donald Jacobson, Kay Jacobson, Barbara Jones, Alex Johnson, Melvin Ketter. Ruth Kovar, Marie Krasny, Mary Krasny, Robert Lambert, Gerald Lister, Eddie Lloyd. Timmy Lynde, Loren Lynde, Jo Ann Martinek, Jerry Mastene, James McCoid, Clyde McKenzie, Neil McKenzie, Leonard Mesmer, Lloyd Mesmer, Shirley Mesmer, Nida Mogus. Paul Martin, Pauline Martin, Elzora Marney, Kenny Marney, Laiten Marney, Howard McMahan, Jeanette Nadeau, Jean Nadeau, Sally Nadeau, Ruth Olson. Dean Page. Gerald Pearl. Gene Pelfrey, Betty Pendleton, Charlene Perry. Linda Pitts, Shirley Pitts, Sharon Reser, Carl Rafferty, Robert Rafferty. Robert Reid, Darrell Rezac, Ernest Rezac, Linda Rezac, Don Rogers, Anita Rundus, Jerome Schmitz, Delores Schmitz. Ginger Shannon David Stadler. Helen Stadler. Laura Stiles, Leo Stockman. Helen Spears. JoAnn Swenson, Shirley Trahoon, Evelyn Trubey. Rosella Trubey, Donnie Tschantz. Charles VanVleck, Clifford VanVleck, Gerald Viergever, Sharon Viergever, Sue Viergever, Zora Wade, Lewis Weeks. Lynda Wilt, Frank Wood, Robert Young, Janet Young, Lyle Zeller, Paul Zeller, Jane Zickefoose, Sammy Zickefoose. (Darker names indicate present 4-H Club members.) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rossville Reporter, Rossville, Kansas This work is copyrighted; the copyright holder has granted permission for this item to be used by the Rossville Community Library. This permission does not extend to third parties. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 24, 1955 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RCL0660 http://recollectionsks.org/files/original/1947e25e41739b6d58399665a5a7a57a.jpeg f3bed3291cc69e5830e617a9712565b9 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Rossville Agricultural History Subject The topic of the resource Farming/Ranching Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rossville Community Library Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Rossville Centennial Booklet, 1971 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Rossville Community Library Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Public Domain due to copyright expiration. Original narrative content by RCL is available for use by public. Description An account of the resource Rossville is fortunately situated in many ways—we are near a large city, Topeka, but far enough away to retain our own identity; we can be considered a bedroom community to Topeka since so many residents commute to work to the larger city; we are just north of the Kansas River and enjoy the fertile “Kaw River Valley,” which has benefited agriculture in our community since its very beginnings. From the early days, Rossville Township was blessed with fertile creek and river-bottom land, combined with the upland, which consisted of bluestem grass. The early settlers broke and cleared the bottom lands and part of the upland prairie. The settlers of the 1860-70s began farming and found the soil fertile and productive. However, the task of clearing the timberland and breaking prairie sod must have seemed insurmountable. Corn and wheat, the main crops, and cattle, hogs and other livestock-raising, became the basic agriculture of Rossville township. Many of these early farmers came to Kansas seeking land. They traveled by ox cart and wagon before the railroad went through, following the Oregon and other trails. Settlers bought land from the Santa Fe Railroad or from members of the Citizen Potawatomi Band, who were selling their allotment land. The first mention of early agriculture in Rossville comes from Dr. Gabbey’s account, written in 1886: “The Pottawatomi as a tribe never took kindly to agriculture, four or five acres in corn was a large field. Their fields were usually cleared up from the edge of the timber along the streams, as the Indian had little use for the Prairie kind.” One account gives the cost of prairie in the early days from $2.50 to $4.00 per acre. Lumber was worth from $25.00 to $39.00 dollars per thousand feet. Oxen cost $100.00 a yoke, mules from $100.00 to $200.00, horses $75.00 to $150.00, sheep $2.00 a head and chickens 25¢ each. Masons and carpenters received $2.00 to $3.00 per day in wages. Wheat was worth $1.50 per bushel and flour $4.50 per hundred pounds. From newspapers of 1877: “New corn brought in for shipment is getting 18¢ to 20¢ and corn huskers have been in demand at $1.00 per day and board; 2.5¢ per bushel thrown on the ground or 3.5¢ in the crib.” “Mr. Lambert James, a farmer living a few miles west of town has this season manufactured 1,500 gallon of sorghum molasses, which he readily disposed of at 50¢ per gallon.” But challenges persisted for early settlers. Although this was an extremely desirable area for agriculture and the raising of livestock, it was not possible for the early settlers to procure manufactured goods from the East without paying an extremely high freight bill. It was also impossible to ship their grain and produce economically. River freight was tried but the Kaw River often times did not have enough water to make shipping dependable so the answer to this problem was the railroad. Rossville’s answer came May 18, 1866, when the first train passed through the town. Corn was the main crop and early editors gave much space extolling its excellence. Corn cribs were numerous along the south side of the railroad tracks and on the east side of north Main. A water powered grist mill was located on Cross Creek north of town. Mulvane Bros. built a steam powered mill south of the railroad tracks. One of the earliest farmers was Henry Ford, who acquired 80 acres southwest of Rossville in 1864. His wife was the former Mary Nadeau, who came to Rossville from Indiana in 1862. Henry Ford came to Kansas in 1863 and was a stage coach driver for the Overland Stage Company between Topeka and Manhattan. He met his wife at “Buttermilk Station” where she worked for her brother, Big Alex Nadeau. While working to clear their land of timber and build a log house, they lived in one room of a three room house, west of Cross Creek, north of the old Oregon and California trails. The other two rooms were occupied by Dr. and Mrs. R.S. Gabbey and Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Higginbotham. After the Fords moved into their log cabin, Mrs. Ford often rode horseback nine miles with her baby to the mission in St. Marys. The first flowers she had to plant by the cabin were given to her by the nuns at the Mission. Another early farmer, John DeGraff settled south of Rossville in 1865. He and his wife, the former Frances Navarre, lived in a small dugout until their house was built. The following is a list of early farmers: Name | Year to Rossville | Origin Archibald Abbott 1870 Kingston, Canada West Joseph Andrews Westmoreland County, Pa. W. Thomas Andrews 1879 McKay, Ohio Joseph Beseau 1875 Monroe County, Michigan John A. Bond 1872 Tyler County, W. Virginia William Bond 1873 Tyler County, W. Virginia John DeGraff 1865 James DeVinney 1880 Ross County, Ohio Benjamin Franklin 1869 Ross County, Ohio John Fritz 1877 Somerset County, Pa. Martin Hass 1877 Richland County, Ohio Henry Kassabaum 1877 Brookmell, Prussia T.J. Kiernan 1868 Elzey E. Kinsey 1877 Ohio Henry Lipp 1868 South Germany Isaac McCollough 1873 Holmes County, Ohio R. McCollough 1878 Holmes County, Ohio Michael O’halaron 1880 Samuel Oldfield 1878 Derbyshire, England S.J. Oliver 1876 Edward Partelow 1868 Newport, Kentucky Thomas L. Ross 1882 Cincinnati, Ohio M.M. Standley 1874 Carroll County, Indiana Bennett Swearingen 1868 Meigs County, Ohio Isaac B. Trostel 1877 Perry County, Pa. Frank Van Vleck 1878 William Wax 1878 Juniata County, Pa. Daniel Wilt 1876 York County, Pa. Henry York 1869 Zurich, Switzerland Peter H. Zickefoose 1874 Highland County, W. Virginia Samuel Beals 1867 E.S. Doud 1869 W.L. James Wm. Kirkpatrick 1871 Frank L. Sanders John Heslet Noel Graves W.W. Janes J.K. Conley 1870 Yates County, New York Startup, Ab Thomas Attebury 1877 George Hejtmanek 1880 Wisowitz, Moravia, Austria D. Hartzell 1872 Francis E. Williams 1876 New York Captain John Gutshall Col. A.S. Stanley 1880 Meigs Co., Ohio Martin Nason 1872 Jos. Van Vleck 1878 M.L. Cless 1876 B.W. Higginbotham 1861 Thomas Moss 1877 J.M. Parr Clay Co. Indiana J.A. Parr Clay Co. Indiana H.W. Lipp 1878 Illinois Samuel B. Zickefoose 1869 West Virginia Mrs. Jane Jackson 1875 Scotland Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1957 4-H Initiation new members, Events & Projects, Rossville, Kansas Description An account of the resource Rossville 4-H initiates 12 December 19, 1957 by Linda Kelsey The Rossville 4-H Club initiated 12 new members into their organization Monday evening. The initiation was patterned after the "Beat the Clock" program. The initiation committee was composed of Mrs. Gerald Reser, Jerry Reser, Artie Campbell, Donna Lee Reser, Lilly Reser, and Doug Kelsey. Those initiated were as follows: LaVon Harper, LaVerne Harper, Garry Nichols, J. W. Adams, Susan Nadeau, Jane Parr, Amy Jones, Corrine Adams, Rose Mary Jacobson. Carolyn Gresser, Harry Adams, and Bobby Stach. The club presented Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Davis with a Christmas present. The presentation was made by Laird French. Two project meetings were announced. Mrs. Rasch's sewing will meet January 27 at Linda Kelsey's home. Mrs. Reser's cooking group will have a meeting at the Community Building December 23 at 9 a. m. The program was as follows: a very interesting demonstration on "How to Pack a Suitcase" was given by Carla Rasch; Ginger Shannon a music appreciation talk on Elvis Presley; a safety talk "Safety at School" by Artie Campbell; Darryl Nichols a conservation talk on wildlife; Andy Dieter a conservation talk; Albert Miller in charge of other program had LaVon Harper play a piece on the piano; and Sandy Taylor had Bobby Stach play a solo on his trumpet. Refreshments and dancing followed. 4-H COUNTY-WIDE PARTY DECEMBER 30 by Linda Kelsey, December 26, 1957 The County-Wide Party will be in the Community Center Monday night, December 30. All Rossville 4-H families bring a dozen and a half cookies. Bring them whether you plan to be there or not. 4-H girls help to spread cheer December 26, 1957 by Sharon Reser, Jr. Leader "It is more blessed to give than to receive." That is the spirit that prevailed at the Community Center last Monday morning, December 23, when nine 4-H girls taking advanced cooking in the local 4-H club met to mix and make candy and cookies to be used in packing Christmas boxes. After packing and wrapping the boxes they were delivered to different homes around town. Fifteen boxes were distributed and we hope they will bring some added Christmas Cheer to the homes where they were left. Girls participating in the project were: Sally Nadeau, Donna Lee Reser, Ruth Miller, Helen Wehner, June Wehner, Linda Kelsey, Patty Coffey, Lillian Reser, Sharon Reser, and the leaders, Mrs. Letha Reser and Mrs. Gerald Reser. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rossville Reporter, Rossville, Kansas This work is copyrighted; the copyright holder has granted permission for this item to be used by the Rossville Community Library. This permission does not extend to third parties. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 1957 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RCL0662 http://recollectionsks.org/files/original/de0566aef4d8c4c7ee42005fd1ea01cc.jpeg 00bc1cf2e1f885151ea01adfc7a9be1f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Rossville Agricultural History Subject The topic of the resource Farming/Ranching Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rossville Community Library Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Rossville Centennial Booklet, 1971 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Rossville Community Library Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Public Domain due to copyright expiration. Original narrative content by RCL is available for use by public. Description An account of the resource Rossville is fortunately situated in many ways—we are near a large city, Topeka, but far enough away to retain our own identity; we can be considered a bedroom community to Topeka since so many residents commute to work to the larger city; we are just north of the Kansas River and enjoy the fertile “Kaw River Valley,” which has benefited agriculture in our community since its very beginnings. From the early days, Rossville Township was blessed with fertile creek and river-bottom land, combined with the upland, which consisted of bluestem grass. The early settlers broke and cleared the bottom lands and part of the upland prairie. The settlers of the 1860-70s began farming and found the soil fertile and productive. However, the task of clearing the timberland and breaking prairie sod must have seemed insurmountable. Corn and wheat, the main crops, and cattle, hogs and other livestock-raising, became the basic agriculture of Rossville township. Many of these early farmers came to Kansas seeking land. They traveled by ox cart and wagon before the railroad went through, following the Oregon and other trails. Settlers bought land from the Santa Fe Railroad or from members of the Citizen Potawatomi Band, who were selling their allotment land. The first mention of early agriculture in Rossville comes from Dr. Gabbey’s account, written in 1886: “The Pottawatomi as a tribe never took kindly to agriculture, four or five acres in corn was a large field. Their fields were usually cleared up from the edge of the timber along the streams, as the Indian had little use for the Prairie kind.” One account gives the cost of prairie in the early days from $2.50 to $4.00 per acre. Lumber was worth from $25.00 to $39.00 dollars per thousand feet. Oxen cost $100.00 a yoke, mules from $100.00 to $200.00, horses $75.00 to $150.00, sheep $2.00 a head and chickens 25¢ each. Masons and carpenters received $2.00 to $3.00 per day in wages. Wheat was worth $1.50 per bushel and flour $4.50 per hundred pounds. From newspapers of 1877: “New corn brought in for shipment is getting 18¢ to 20¢ and corn huskers have been in demand at $1.00 per day and board; 2.5¢ per bushel thrown on the ground or 3.5¢ in the crib.” “Mr. Lambert James, a farmer living a few miles west of town has this season manufactured 1,500 gallon of sorghum molasses, which he readily disposed of at 50¢ per gallon.” But challenges persisted for early settlers. Although this was an extremely desirable area for agriculture and the raising of livestock, it was not possible for the early settlers to procure manufactured goods from the East without paying an extremely high freight bill. It was also impossible to ship their grain and produce economically. River freight was tried but the Kaw River often times did not have enough water to make shipping dependable so the answer to this problem was the railroad. Rossville’s answer came May 18, 1866, when the first train passed through the town. Corn was the main crop and early editors gave much space extolling its excellence. Corn cribs were numerous along the south side of the railroad tracks and on the east side of north Main. A water powered grist mill was located on Cross Creek north of town. Mulvane Bros. built a steam powered mill south of the railroad tracks. One of the earliest farmers was Henry Ford, who acquired 80 acres southwest of Rossville in 1864. His wife was the former Mary Nadeau, who came to Rossville from Indiana in 1862. Henry Ford came to Kansas in 1863 and was a stage coach driver for the Overland Stage Company between Topeka and Manhattan. He met his wife at “Buttermilk Station” where she worked for her brother, Big Alex Nadeau. While working to clear their land of timber and build a log house, they lived in one room of a three room house, west of Cross Creek, north of the old Oregon and California trails. The other two rooms were occupied by Dr. and Mrs. R.S. Gabbey and Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Higginbotham. After the Fords moved into their log cabin, Mrs. Ford often rode horseback nine miles with her baby to the mission in St. Marys. The first flowers she had to plant by the cabin were given to her by the nuns at the Mission. Another early farmer, John DeGraff settled south of Rossville in 1865. He and his wife, the former Frances Navarre, lived in a small dugout until their house was built. The following is a list of early farmers: Name | Year to Rossville | Origin Archibald Abbott 1870 Kingston, Canada West Joseph Andrews Westmoreland County, Pa. W. Thomas Andrews 1879 McKay, Ohio Joseph Beseau 1875 Monroe County, Michigan John A. Bond 1872 Tyler County, W. Virginia William Bond 1873 Tyler County, W. Virginia John DeGraff 1865 James DeVinney 1880 Ross County, Ohio Benjamin Franklin 1869 Ross County, Ohio John Fritz 1877 Somerset County, Pa. Martin Hass 1877 Richland County, Ohio Henry Kassabaum 1877 Brookmell, Prussia T.J. Kiernan 1868 Elzey E. Kinsey 1877 Ohio Henry Lipp 1868 South Germany Isaac McCollough 1873 Holmes County, Ohio R. McCollough 1878 Holmes County, Ohio Michael O’halaron 1880 Samuel Oldfield 1878 Derbyshire, England S.J. Oliver 1876 Edward Partelow 1868 Newport, Kentucky Thomas L. Ross 1882 Cincinnati, Ohio M.M. Standley 1874 Carroll County, Indiana Bennett Swearingen 1868 Meigs County, Ohio Isaac B. Trostel 1877 Perry County, Pa. Frank Van Vleck 1878 William Wax 1878 Juniata County, Pa. Daniel Wilt 1876 York County, Pa. Henry York 1869 Zurich, Switzerland Peter H. Zickefoose 1874 Highland County, W. Virginia Samuel Beals 1867 E.S. Doud 1869 W.L. James Wm. Kirkpatrick 1871 Frank L. Sanders John Heslet Noel Graves W.W. Janes J.K. Conley 1870 Yates County, New York Startup, Ab Thomas Attebury 1877 George Hejtmanek 1880 Wisowitz, Moravia, Austria D. Hartzell 1872 Francis E. Williams 1876 New York Captain John Gutshall Col. A.S. Stanley 1880 Meigs Co., Ohio Martin Nason 1872 Jos. Van Vleck 1878 M.L. Cless 1876 B.W. Higginbotham 1861 Thomas Moss 1877 J.M. Parr Clay Co. Indiana J.A. Parr Clay Co. Indiana H.W. Lipp 1878 Illinois Samuel B. Zickefoose 1869 West Virginia Mrs. Jane Jackson 1875 Scotland Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1958 4-H Regional, Survey, Family Picnic, Rossville, Kansas Description An account of the resource April 1958 Officers of three clubs review Club meeting notes and criticisms following the Rossville 4-H Club meeting. Pictured, left to right, are Jane Zickefoose, Rossville secretary; Nathan Dexter, Tecumseh president; Sue Melton, Tecumseh secretary; Ginger Shannon, Rossville president; and Kay Towslee, Shawnee Jayhawkers, secretary. Junior leaders from 18 different 4-H Clubs visited the 24 Clubs in the County during January, February, and March. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC Sharon Reser, Jr.. Leader, May 22, 1958 The Rossville 4-H club is working with the Shawnee County health board to make a survey of the city of Rossville, and Rossville township to determine what our community might need in the improvement of the general health of the community. These 4-H ers are not selling anything and only wish a few minutes of your time to fill out the blanks which they will supply you. Please cooperate with these 4-H ers in their efforts to complete this survey. Thank you. April 17, 1958 The Scott Kelsey Jr. family recently participated in the Hook 4-H club meeting in several capacities. Linda played her accordion, Faye explained her duties as a4-H township representative for Rossville township. Scott told the Sandy Hook club members of his responsibilities as an entomology and tractor project leader of the Rossville 4-H Club. Kenneth Rezac, Sandy Hook president, thanks Mr. Kelsey and his family as Karen DeDonder, Sandy Hook secretary, looks on. Sharson [sic Sharon] Reser goes to Regional, Carla Rasch is alternate by Linda Kelsey March 20, 1958 The ten top demonstrations chosen from the Shawnee County 4-H Day were in a run-off at the YWCA last Thursday evening. The two top from this are to go to the Regional 4-H [ ] Baldwin, Kansas, Saturday 22. Sharon Reser from Rossville 4-H Club was one of the top two, winning with her demonstration on "How to Make a Swedish Tea Ring." Sue Carlot from Dover won the other top spot with her demonstration on "Slick Tricks with Chicks." Carla Rasch from Rossville will be the alternate with her demonstration "How to Pack a Suitcase." Those from Rossville attending the run-offs were: Mrs. Leroy Parr and Jane, Mrs. Marion Rasch and Carla, Mrs. Harold Reser and Sharon, Mrs. Scott Kelsey and Linda. Mrs. Gerald Reser, Mrs. Wally Nichols, and Mrs. Elmer Lynde. Each thought it was an evening well spent. 4H CLUB NEWS CAKES, CAKES, CAKES by Sharon Reser, Jr. Leader May 8, 1958 Eleven 4-H girls taking advanced cooking met on Saturday May 3, at the Harold Reser home to make cakes. This is the first time the task of mass production of cakes has been tried for a long time. Each girl made a cake, or sisters made one together. We all agreed the day was a success in many ways. Different varieties of cakes were made and different methods of mixing were used. Both butter cakes and sponge cakes were made. A miracle salad dressing cake turned out as pretty as a picture. The girls also iced their cakes and a little experimenting with cake decorating was done. We were most happy that Mrs. Annabell Long, Extension Agent from the office in Topeka was able to come out and spend a few hours with us. The girls attending the meeting were: Patty Coffey, Jane Zickefoose, Sally Naduea [sic Nadeau], Lois McCoy, Ruth Miller, Donna Lee Reser, Helen Wehner, June Wehner, Laura Rose Stiles, Lillian Reser, and Sharon Reser. Mrs. Donis Reser and Mrs. Letha Reser were our instructors and helpers. Rossville 4-H Picnic Sunday Evening by Linda Kelsey June 5, 1958 Rossville 4-H'ers and their families will have a picnic supper in St. Marys Park at 5:30 Sunday evening, June 8. Each family is to bring a well filled basket and their own table service. The drink will be furnished. Some 4-Hers will go early and go swimming before supper, but if some would rather they may go afterwards. We hope everyone will turn out for this 4-H family get together. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rossville Reporter, Rossville, Kansas This work is copyrighted; the copyright holder has granted permission for this item to be used by the Rossville Community Library. This permission does not extend to third parties. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1958 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RCL0663 http://recollectionsks.org/files/original/ef786319a2d8d471c4c60417f1b38c0c.jpeg 025a33bd67c7446488934e12784e7307 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Rossville Agricultural History Subject The topic of the resource Farming/Ranching Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rossville Community Library Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Rossville Centennial Booklet, 1971 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Rossville Community Library Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Public Domain due to copyright expiration. Original narrative content by RCL is available for use by public. Description An account of the resource Rossville is fortunately situated in many ways—we are near a large city, Topeka, but far enough away to retain our own identity; we can be considered a bedroom community to Topeka since so many residents commute to work to the larger city; we are just north of the Kansas River and enjoy the fertile “Kaw River Valley,” which has benefited agriculture in our community since its very beginnings. From the early days, Rossville Township was blessed with fertile creek and river-bottom land, combined with the upland, which consisted of bluestem grass. The early settlers broke and cleared the bottom lands and part of the upland prairie. The settlers of the 1860-70s began farming and found the soil fertile and productive. However, the task of clearing the timberland and breaking prairie sod must have seemed insurmountable. Corn and wheat, the main crops, and cattle, hogs and other livestock-raising, became the basic agriculture of Rossville township. Many of these early farmers came to Kansas seeking land. They traveled by ox cart and wagon before the railroad went through, following the Oregon and other trails. Settlers bought land from the Santa Fe Railroad or from members of the Citizen Potawatomi Band, who were selling their allotment land. The first mention of early agriculture in Rossville comes from Dr. Gabbey’s account, written in 1886: “The Pottawatomi as a tribe never took kindly to agriculture, four or five acres in corn was a large field. Their fields were usually cleared up from the edge of the timber along the streams, as the Indian had little use for the Prairie kind.” One account gives the cost of prairie in the early days from $2.50 to $4.00 per acre. Lumber was worth from $25.00 to $39.00 dollars per thousand feet. Oxen cost $100.00 a yoke, mules from $100.00 to $200.00, horses $75.00 to $150.00, sheep $2.00 a head and chickens 25¢ each. Masons and carpenters received $2.00 to $3.00 per day in wages. Wheat was worth $1.50 per bushel and flour $4.50 per hundred pounds. From newspapers of 1877: “New corn brought in for shipment is getting 18¢ to 20¢ and corn huskers have been in demand at $1.00 per day and board; 2.5¢ per bushel thrown on the ground or 3.5¢ in the crib.” “Mr. Lambert James, a farmer living a few miles west of town has this season manufactured 1,500 gallon of sorghum molasses, which he readily disposed of at 50¢ per gallon.” But challenges persisted for early settlers. Although this was an extremely desirable area for agriculture and the raising of livestock, it was not possible for the early settlers to procure manufactured goods from the East without paying an extremely high freight bill. It was also impossible to ship their grain and produce economically. River freight was tried but the Kaw River often times did not have enough water to make shipping dependable so the answer to this problem was the railroad. Rossville’s answer came May 18, 1866, when the first train passed through the town. Corn was the main crop and early editors gave much space extolling its excellence. Corn cribs were numerous along the south side of the railroad tracks and on the east side of north Main. A water powered grist mill was located on Cross Creek north of town. Mulvane Bros. built a steam powered mill south of the railroad tracks. One of the earliest farmers was Henry Ford, who acquired 80 acres southwest of Rossville in 1864. His wife was the former Mary Nadeau, who came to Rossville from Indiana in 1862. Henry Ford came to Kansas in 1863 and was a stage coach driver for the Overland Stage Company between Topeka and Manhattan. He met his wife at “Buttermilk Station” where she worked for her brother, Big Alex Nadeau. While working to clear their land of timber and build a log house, they lived in one room of a three room house, west of Cross Creek, north of the old Oregon and California trails. The other two rooms were occupied by Dr. and Mrs. R.S. Gabbey and Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Higginbotham. After the Fords moved into their log cabin, Mrs. Ford often rode horseback nine miles with her baby to the mission in St. Marys. The first flowers she had to plant by the cabin were given to her by the nuns at the Mission. Another early farmer, John DeGraff settled south of Rossville in 1865. He and his wife, the former Frances Navarre, lived in a small dugout until their house was built. The following is a list of early farmers: Name | Year to Rossville | Origin Archibald Abbott 1870 Kingston, Canada West Joseph Andrews Westmoreland County, Pa. W. Thomas Andrews 1879 McKay, Ohio Joseph Beseau 1875 Monroe County, Michigan John A. Bond 1872 Tyler County, W. Virginia William Bond 1873 Tyler County, W. Virginia John DeGraff 1865 James DeVinney 1880 Ross County, Ohio Benjamin Franklin 1869 Ross County, Ohio John Fritz 1877 Somerset County, Pa. Martin Hass 1877 Richland County, Ohio Henry Kassabaum 1877 Brookmell, Prussia T.J. Kiernan 1868 Elzey E. Kinsey 1877 Ohio Henry Lipp 1868 South Germany Isaac McCollough 1873 Holmes County, Ohio R. McCollough 1878 Holmes County, Ohio Michael O’halaron 1880 Samuel Oldfield 1878 Derbyshire, England S.J. Oliver 1876 Edward Partelow 1868 Newport, Kentucky Thomas L. Ross 1882 Cincinnati, Ohio M.M. Standley 1874 Carroll County, Indiana Bennett Swearingen 1868 Meigs County, Ohio Isaac B. Trostel 1877 Perry County, Pa. Frank Van Vleck 1878 William Wax 1878 Juniata County, Pa. Daniel Wilt 1876 York County, Pa. Henry York 1869 Zurich, Switzerland Peter H. Zickefoose 1874 Highland County, W. Virginia Samuel Beals 1867 E.S. Doud 1869 W.L. James Wm. Kirkpatrick 1871 Frank L. Sanders John Heslet Noel Graves W.W. Janes J.K. Conley 1870 Yates County, New York Startup, Ab Thomas Attebury 1877 George Hejtmanek 1880 Wisowitz, Moravia, Austria D. Hartzell 1872 Francis E. Williams 1876 New York Captain John Gutshall Col. A.S. Stanley 1880 Meigs Co., Ohio Martin Nason 1872 Jos. Van Vleck 1878 M.L. Cless 1876 B.W. Higginbotham 1861 Thomas Moss 1877 J.M. Parr Clay Co. Indiana J.A. Parr Clay Co. Indiana H.W. Lipp 1878 Illinois Samuel B. Zickefoose 1869 West Virginia Mrs. Jane Jackson 1875 Scotland Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1958 4-H Fair, Meetings & Record Books, Rossville, Kansas Description An account of the resource THE ROSSVILLE REPORTER Thursday, July 24, 1958 Page 6 4H CLUB NEWS 4-H FAIR WILL FEATURE FOOD SALE ON AUGUST 13 by Sharon Reser, reporter, Shawnee County 4-H Council At 7:00 pm on the first evening of the 4-H Fair a food sale will be held. Items to be sold will be cakes, nut and fruit breads, gingerbreads, and cupcakes. This is being done to stop the great amount of waste we have had in previous years and to raise the premiums, by use of the profits, of the food preparation classes. A portion of cake and breads will be left on the plate with the ribbon and the other two will be grouped in dozens to be sold. We hope this plan will work and ask your attendance. At the July 10, 1958, meeting of the Shawnee County 4-H Council four persons were selected by the Awards Committee to represent Shawnee County at the State Health Camp being held August 5 to 11. Those selected were Alice Verschelden, Sandy Hook; Jack Miller, Shunga Valley; Dorothy Comstock, Grove; and Cynthia Priddy, Bethel. Darryl Priddy, Bethel, and either Kay Marie Moore, Wakarusa, or Sharon Reser, Rossville, were selected to go to State Junior Leadership Camp, July 30 to August 5. The Council moved to pay one-half the expenses of leaders attending camps, etc., and all the expenses of special award winners. The decision to count the Kansas Free Fair as an out-of-county event was revised. In all classes: with the exception of Livestock and Dairy, only blue ribbon winners are eligible to enter at the Kansas Free Fair. This is still an out-of-county event for Home Ec, Garden and Crops exhibits. This will enable members who cannot sell their livestock at the County 4-H Fair to be able to sell them at the sale at the Free Fair. The Silver Pin Applications and the re-enrollment cards should be sent into the office with the record books. Don't forget the Business Men's Picnic July 30 at Gage Park. Mr. Eyestone gave explanations on the entering of exhibits at the County 4-H Fair. The community leaders of each club are to make the entries for their club members. The club members are to give the community leader their list of entries by July 26. The community leader then fills out the white sheets. Appearing on the pink sheets should be the names of those who are going to judge, club booths, demonstrations, and club garden display. No Late Entries Will be Accepted. Here are some important dates: July 24-25 - Eastern Kansas Judging School for Livestock & Dairy; Aug. 1 - K P & L Essay due; Aug. 6 - Style Show Judging, Kansas Teachers Bldg., 9 am; Aug 7 -Wheat Show; Aug. 7 - Council meeting; Aug. 8 - Demonstration Day, 4-H Annex Bldg., Fair grounds. Due to lack of a piano there was no program. THE ROSSVILLE REPORTER, Thursday, July 10, 1958 Page 7 4H CL U B N E W S ATTENTION ROSSVILLE 4-HERS by Linda Kelsey Record books are to be turned in at the August meeting which is on the 18th of August. Anyone not completing at least one of their projects they are enrolled in cannot belong to 4-H the coming year. If there are any boys and girls in the community wanting to belong to 4-H next year, they must attend three meetings before December 31. 'Their parents or guardian must attend at least one of the meetings with them. 3t THE ROSSVILLE REPORTER, Thursday, July 24, 1958 Page 7 BEGINNING COOKING GIRLS MEET by Linda Kelsey The beginning cooking girls met Friday, July 18. The afternoon was spent working on Record Books. Each girl brought her Record Book up to date. If any girl, who was absent, needs help on her record book, please contact Mrs. Murray, Mrs. Gresser, Lois McCoy, or Linda Kelsey. Rossville 4-H Ends Year With Handing in Record Books By Linda Kelsey August 21, 1958 Rossville 4-H members handed in their Record Books at our August meeting to complete this years work in 4-H. Roll call was answered by members favorite project. The program was as follows: Sharon Reser gave an interesting talk on her experience at State J. Leadership Camp; Dean Davis gave a fine talk on his trip to 4-H Round-up in Manhattan; Jane Parr's project talk on her sewing project was very clever; Douglas Kelsey gave a talk on the highlights of his Home Beautification Project; Susan Nadeau's talk for Music Appreciation was very good; June Murray gave a real good illustrated talk on Health Habits. Lillian Reser passed out some health books for each 4-H family. The new enrollment cards were passed out for members to fill out for next year's projects and must be turned in to Mrs. Marvin Davis within the next week. The meeting was adjourned and dancing followed. Miss JoAnn Swenson spent the week end at KU in Lawrence visiting friends. -Support Reporter Advertisers- Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rossville Reporter, Rossville, Kansas This work is copyrighted; the copyright holder has granted permission for this item to be used by the Rossville Community Library. This permission does not extend to third parties. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1958 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RCL0665 http://recollectionsks.org/files/original/69d7c64fa0bba21d9a4ddceea336068e.jpeg 116641fbb95116361eb2e686a25f797a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Rossville Agricultural History Subject The topic of the resource Farming/Ranching Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rossville Community Library Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Rossville Centennial Booklet, 1971 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Rossville Community Library Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Public Domain due to copyright expiration. Original narrative content by RCL is available for use by public. Description An account of the resource Rossville is fortunately situated in many ways—we are near a large city, Topeka, but far enough away to retain our own identity; we can be considered a bedroom community to Topeka since so many residents commute to work to the larger city; we are just north of the Kansas River and enjoy the fertile “Kaw River Valley,” which has benefited agriculture in our community since its very beginnings. From the early days, Rossville Township was blessed with fertile creek and river-bottom land, combined with the upland, which consisted of bluestem grass. The early settlers broke and cleared the bottom lands and part of the upland prairie. The settlers of the 1860-70s began farming and found the soil fertile and productive. However, the task of clearing the timberland and breaking prairie sod must have seemed insurmountable. Corn and wheat, the main crops, and cattle, hogs and other livestock-raising, became the basic agriculture of Rossville township. Many of these early farmers came to Kansas seeking land. They traveled by ox cart and wagon before the railroad went through, following the Oregon and other trails. Settlers bought land from the Santa Fe Railroad or from members of the Citizen Potawatomi Band, who were selling their allotment land. The first mention of early agriculture in Rossville comes from Dr. Gabbey’s account, written in 1886: “The Pottawatomi as a tribe never took kindly to agriculture, four or five acres in corn was a large field. Their fields were usually cleared up from the edge of the timber along the streams, as the Indian had little use for the Prairie kind.” One account gives the cost of prairie in the early days from $2.50 to $4.00 per acre. Lumber was worth from $25.00 to $39.00 dollars per thousand feet. Oxen cost $100.00 a yoke, mules from $100.00 to $200.00, horses $75.00 to $150.00, sheep $2.00 a head and chickens 25¢ each. Masons and carpenters received $2.00 to $3.00 per day in wages. Wheat was worth $1.50 per bushel and flour $4.50 per hundred pounds. From newspapers of 1877: “New corn brought in for shipment is getting 18¢ to 20¢ and corn huskers have been in demand at $1.00 per day and board; 2.5¢ per bushel thrown on the ground or 3.5¢ in the crib.” “Mr. Lambert James, a farmer living a few miles west of town has this season manufactured 1,500 gallon of sorghum molasses, which he readily disposed of at 50¢ per gallon.” But challenges persisted for early settlers. Although this was an extremely desirable area for agriculture and the raising of livestock, it was not possible for the early settlers to procure manufactured goods from the East without paying an extremely high freight bill. It was also impossible to ship their grain and produce economically. River freight was tried but the Kaw River often times did not have enough water to make shipping dependable so the answer to this problem was the railroad. Rossville’s answer came May 18, 1866, when the first train passed through the town. Corn was the main crop and early editors gave much space extolling its excellence. Corn cribs were numerous along the south side of the railroad tracks and on the east side of north Main. A water powered grist mill was located on Cross Creek north of town. Mulvane Bros. built a steam powered mill south of the railroad tracks. One of the earliest farmers was Henry Ford, who acquired 80 acres southwest of Rossville in 1864. His wife was the former Mary Nadeau, who came to Rossville from Indiana in 1862. Henry Ford came to Kansas in 1863 and was a stage coach driver for the Overland Stage Company between Topeka and Manhattan. He met his wife at “Buttermilk Station” where she worked for her brother, Big Alex Nadeau. While working to clear their land of timber and build a log house, they lived in one room of a three room house, west of Cross Creek, north of the old Oregon and California trails. The other two rooms were occupied by Dr. and Mrs. R.S. Gabbey and Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Higginbotham. After the Fords moved into their log cabin, Mrs. Ford often rode horseback nine miles with her baby to the mission in St. Marys. The first flowers she had to plant by the cabin were given to her by the nuns at the Mission. Another early farmer, John DeGraff settled south of Rossville in 1865. He and his wife, the former Frances Navarre, lived in a small dugout until their house was built. The following is a list of early farmers: Name | Year to Rossville | Origin Archibald Abbott 1870 Kingston, Canada West Joseph Andrews Westmoreland County, Pa. W. Thomas Andrews 1879 McKay, Ohio Joseph Beseau 1875 Monroe County, Michigan John A. Bond 1872 Tyler County, W. Virginia William Bond 1873 Tyler County, W. Virginia John DeGraff 1865 James DeVinney 1880 Ross County, Ohio Benjamin Franklin 1869 Ross County, Ohio John Fritz 1877 Somerset County, Pa. Martin Hass 1877 Richland County, Ohio Henry Kassabaum 1877 Brookmell, Prussia T.J. Kiernan 1868 Elzey E. Kinsey 1877 Ohio Henry Lipp 1868 South Germany Isaac McCollough 1873 Holmes County, Ohio R. McCollough 1878 Holmes County, Ohio Michael O’halaron 1880 Samuel Oldfield 1878 Derbyshire, England S.J. Oliver 1876 Edward Partelow 1868 Newport, Kentucky Thomas L. Ross 1882 Cincinnati, Ohio M.M. Standley 1874 Carroll County, Indiana Bennett Swearingen 1868 Meigs County, Ohio Isaac B. Trostel 1877 Perry County, Pa. Frank Van Vleck 1878 William Wax 1878 Juniata County, Pa. Daniel Wilt 1876 York County, Pa. Henry York 1869 Zurich, Switzerland Peter H. Zickefoose 1874 Highland County, W. Virginia Samuel Beals 1867 E.S. Doud 1869 W.L. James Wm. Kirkpatrick 1871 Frank L. Sanders John Heslet Noel Graves W.W. Janes J.K. Conley 1870 Yates County, New York Startup, Ab Thomas Attebury 1877 George Hejtmanek 1880 Wisowitz, Moravia, Austria D. Hartzell 1872 Francis E. Williams 1876 New York Captain John Gutshall Col. A.S. Stanley 1880 Meigs Co., Ohio Martin Nason 1872 Jos. Van Vleck 1878 M.L. Cless 1876 B.W. Higginbotham 1861 Thomas Moss 1877 J.M. Parr Clay Co. Indiana J.A. Parr Clay Co. Indiana H.W. Lipp 1878 Illinois Samuel B. Zickefoose 1869 West Virginia Mrs. Jane Jackson 1875 Scotland Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1958 4-H K-state Round-Up, Twirlers, Garden Tour, Rossville, Kansas Description An account of the resource DEAN DAVIS ATTENDS 4-H ROUND-UP by Linda Kelsey June 12, 1958 Dean Davis of the Rossville Rustlers 4-H Club attended the 35th annual 4-H Club Round-up at Kansas State College from June 3-7. The Shawnee County 4-H bus arrived at Manhattan at 2:30 pm Tuesday, June 3, with all the Shawnee delegates, and all were registered at K-State Union Lobby. An assembly was presented that evening in the college auditorium. The Shawnee County 4-H Band played as it did many times during the Round-up. The "Welcome" was given by Dr. Harold E. Jones, Director of Extension. Dean reported that Wednesday was a very busy day with classes and meetings, one of the highlights being an address by Dr. James A. McCain, President of Kansas State College. Thursday was another busy day with many meetings and interesting discussions. An assembly was presented at 11:00 am with the Governor of Kansas, George C. Docking, giving the address. Friday the boys and girls were guests at Ft. Riley to view the 1st Infantry Division Organization day activities. They saw a parade of this division which was followed by a mock battle. The noon meal was served at Camp Funston. The rest of the day was spent at Rock Springs Ranch, south of Junction City. Dean arrived home on the 4-H bus at 11:00 am Saturday morning. Six Shawnee County twirlers will participate at the special band program at Rock Springs on June 6 during 4-H Round-up. Left to right include: Patty Coffey, Rossville, lead majorette; Kay Towslee, Marilyn Southard, Janet Southard, Judy Clark and Roxana Tenpenny, all from the Shawnee Jayhawkers 4-H Club. June 1958 Rossville 4-H has garden tour by Linda Kelsey July 3, 1958 Rossville 4-H has nine members enrolled in gardening. Mrs. Ethelyn Lynde is their leader. At the beginning of the planting season Mrs. Lynde distributed some seeds to the members that are not usually grown in everyones garden so they could see how they grow. First stop was at Doug Kelsey's where they saw peanuts and ornamental gourds growing. Jerry Reser's was the next stop. He had three different kinds of squash, one variety already had a squash about a foot long on it. Heilands have two gardens, Sandra's where they saw Salsify growing, and Kenny's which had some nice Kohlrabi in it. Sharon Reser has some nice tomatoes and is also trying her luck with lima beans. Patty Coffey showed her Sears Garden which was top in the county. She has some prize cabbage and cucumbers. Zora Wade had some nice sweet corn and a big patch of potatoes. Next stop was Freda McCollough's where they saw Broccoli and some sweet corn just about ready to eat. She also had a lot of flowers blooming n her garden. Timmy Lynde's was the last stop. They saw Kohlrabi, Brussel sprouts, and different varieties of squash in his garden. It would have been hard to have picked the best and the cleanest garden because they were all well taken care of. Thursday, July 17, 1958 Page 5 DANCE INVITATION Boys and girls who will be in the eighth grade this fall and all high school students are invited to a dance at the Community Bldg. Friday, July 18. — Gene & Dean Davis. 4-H MEETING TIME CHANGE The 4-H club monthly meeting will be at 7:15 Monday, July 21, in the Community Center. ADVANCE 4-H FOODS GIRLS HOLD MEETING by Sharon Reser, Jr. Leader June 26, 1958 The advanced group of 4-H food girls met at the Community Center on June 17th for a foods meeting. They cooked vegetables and discussed the proper methods of vegetable cookery. Several vegetables were prepared. Everyone had a sample of each. Three demonstrations were given. Sharon Irwin showed how to prepare cherries for the freezer. Sharon Reser showed the proper way to wrap meat for the freezer, using the aluminum foil wrap. She also showed the process for blanching and cooking green beans for freezing. Freezer containers were examined and different methods of freezing were discussed by the girls and the leader. Girls attending were: Laura Stiles, Sharon Irwin, Linda Kelsey, Lillian Reser, Donna Lee Reser, and Sharon Reser. Mrs. Donice Reser and Mrs. Letha_Reser conducted the meeting. July 10, 1958 Shawnee 4-Hers are attending annual county camp at Rock Springs Ranch, State 4-H Center, this week, July 6 to 9. Two hundred thirty-two 4-Hers from Shawnee, Atchison, and Reno counties are expected to camp at Rock Springs during this session. They are among approximately 5,000 young people who will camp at Rock Springs during the 1958 season. One highlight of the session will be a cook-out Tuesday night, July 8. Other activities they may participate in include horseback riding, horseshoes, ping-pong, swimming, shuffleboard, rifle range, badminton, archery, and volleyball. A motion picture projector is available, at the 4-H Center also. A group of younger Shawnee 4-Hers camped at Rock Springs June 25-28. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rossville Reporter, Rossville, Kansas This work is copyrighted; the copyright holder has granted permission for this item to be used by the Rossville Community Library. This permission does not extend to third parties. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1958 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RCL0666 http://recollectionsks.org/files/original/fcc825bf5c48755068f31dd4858afcfe.jpeg 2140adb006828af8d91d672ac6a72d97 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Rossville Agricultural History Subject The topic of the resource Farming/Ranching Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rossville Community Library Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Rossville Centennial Booklet, 1971 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Rossville Community Library Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Public Domain due to copyright expiration. Original narrative content by RCL is available for use by public. Description An account of the resource Rossville is fortunately situated in many ways—we are near a large city, Topeka, but far enough away to retain our own identity; we can be considered a bedroom community to Topeka since so many residents commute to work to the larger city; we are just north of the Kansas River and enjoy the fertile “Kaw River Valley,” which has benefited agriculture in our community since its very beginnings. From the early days, Rossville Township was blessed with fertile creek and river-bottom land, combined with the upland, which consisted of bluestem grass. The early settlers broke and cleared the bottom lands and part of the upland prairie. The settlers of the 1860-70s began farming and found the soil fertile and productive. However, the task of clearing the timberland and breaking prairie sod must have seemed insurmountable. Corn and wheat, the main crops, and cattle, hogs and other livestock-raising, became the basic agriculture of Rossville township. Many of these early farmers came to Kansas seeking land. They traveled by ox cart and wagon before the railroad went through, following the Oregon and other trails. Settlers bought land from the Santa Fe Railroad or from members of the Citizen Potawatomi Band, who were selling their allotment land. The first mention of early agriculture in Rossville comes from Dr. Gabbey’s account, written in 1886: “The Pottawatomi as a tribe never took kindly to agriculture, four or five acres in corn was a large field. Their fields were usually cleared up from the edge of the timber along the streams, as the Indian had little use for the Prairie kind.” One account gives the cost of prairie in the early days from $2.50 to $4.00 per acre. Lumber was worth from $25.00 to $39.00 dollars per thousand feet. Oxen cost $100.00 a yoke, mules from $100.00 to $200.00, horses $75.00 to $150.00, sheep $2.00 a head and chickens 25¢ each. Masons and carpenters received $2.00 to $3.00 per day in wages. Wheat was worth $1.50 per bushel and flour $4.50 per hundred pounds. From newspapers of 1877: “New corn brought in for shipment is getting 18¢ to 20¢ and corn huskers have been in demand at $1.00 per day and board; 2.5¢ per bushel thrown on the ground or 3.5¢ in the crib.” “Mr. Lambert James, a farmer living a few miles west of town has this season manufactured 1,500 gallon of sorghum molasses, which he readily disposed of at 50¢ per gallon.” But challenges persisted for early settlers. Although this was an extremely desirable area for agriculture and the raising of livestock, it was not possible for the early settlers to procure manufactured goods from the East without paying an extremely high freight bill. It was also impossible to ship their grain and produce economically. River freight was tried but the Kaw River often times did not have enough water to make shipping dependable so the answer to this problem was the railroad. Rossville’s answer came May 18, 1866, when the first train passed through the town. Corn was the main crop and early editors gave much space extolling its excellence. Corn cribs were numerous along the south side of the railroad tracks and on the east side of north Main. A water powered grist mill was located on Cross Creek north of town. Mulvane Bros. built a steam powered mill south of the railroad tracks. One of the earliest farmers was Henry Ford, who acquired 80 acres southwest of Rossville in 1864. His wife was the former Mary Nadeau, who came to Rossville from Indiana in 1862. Henry Ford came to Kansas in 1863 and was a stage coach driver for the Overland Stage Company between Topeka and Manhattan. He met his wife at “Buttermilk Station” where she worked for her brother, Big Alex Nadeau. While working to clear their land of timber and build a log house, they lived in one room of a three room house, west of Cross Creek, north of the old Oregon and California trails. The other two rooms were occupied by Dr. and Mrs. R.S. Gabbey and Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Higginbotham. After the Fords moved into their log cabin, Mrs. Ford often rode horseback nine miles with her baby to the mission in St. Marys. The first flowers she had to plant by the cabin were given to her by the nuns at the Mission. Another early farmer, John DeGraff settled south of Rossville in 1865. He and his wife, the former Frances Navarre, lived in a small dugout until their house was built. The following is a list of early farmers: Name | Year to Rossville | Origin Archibald Abbott 1870 Kingston, Canada West Joseph Andrews Westmoreland County, Pa. W. Thomas Andrews 1879 McKay, Ohio Joseph Beseau 1875 Monroe County, Michigan John A. Bond 1872 Tyler County, W. Virginia William Bond 1873 Tyler County, W. Virginia John DeGraff 1865 James DeVinney 1880 Ross County, Ohio Benjamin Franklin 1869 Ross County, Ohio John Fritz 1877 Somerset County, Pa. Martin Hass 1877 Richland County, Ohio Henry Kassabaum 1877 Brookmell, Prussia T.J. Kiernan 1868 Elzey E. Kinsey 1877 Ohio Henry Lipp 1868 South Germany Isaac McCollough 1873 Holmes County, Ohio R. McCollough 1878 Holmes County, Ohio Michael O’halaron 1880 Samuel Oldfield 1878 Derbyshire, England S.J. Oliver 1876 Edward Partelow 1868 Newport, Kentucky Thomas L. Ross 1882 Cincinnati, Ohio M.M. Standley 1874 Carroll County, Indiana Bennett Swearingen 1868 Meigs County, Ohio Isaac B. Trostel 1877 Perry County, Pa. Frank Van Vleck 1878 William Wax 1878 Juniata County, Pa. Daniel Wilt 1876 York County, Pa. Henry York 1869 Zurich, Switzerland Peter H. Zickefoose 1874 Highland County, W. Virginia Samuel Beals 1867 E.S. Doud 1869 W.L. James Wm. Kirkpatrick 1871 Frank L. Sanders John Heslet Noel Graves W.W. Janes J.K. Conley 1870 Yates County, New York Startup, Ab Thomas Attebury 1877 George Hejtmanek 1880 Wisowitz, Moravia, Austria D. Hartzell 1872 Francis E. Williams 1876 New York Captain John Gutshall Col. A.S. Stanley 1880 Meigs Co., Ohio Martin Nason 1872 Jos. Van Vleck 1878 M.L. Cless 1876 B.W. Higginbotham 1861 Thomas Moss 1877 J.M. Parr Clay Co. Indiana J.A. Parr Clay Co. Indiana H.W. Lipp 1878 Illinois Samuel B. Zickefoose 1869 West Virginia Mrs. Jane Jackson 1875 Scotland Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1958 4-H Shawnee County Achievement Party, Events, Rossville, Kansas Description An account of the resource 4H CLUB NEWS November 20, 1958 9 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS FROM ROSSVILLE 4-H CLUB by Jane Zickefoose Rossville 4-H made a good showing at Shawnee County Achievement Party, Nov. 1. The club had nine County Champions and other members in the high four under each project. Rossville 4-H had first under clubs with highest enrollment. The club also received a red seal. The following are County Champions: Gene Davis, Wheat and Field Crops; Sharon Reser, Canning and Safety; Linda Kelsey, Frozen Foods, Home Improvement and Newswriting; Sharon Davis, Colt; Ginger Shannon, Dress Revue. Those in the high four were: Jerry Reser, fourth in Swine-Gilt and fourth in Electric; Douglas Kelsey, second in Corn, first in Garden, fourth in Tractor Maintenance and second in Entomology; Gene Davis, third in Corn, first in Wheat, third in Colt and first in Judging; Dean Davis, fourth in Corn, third in Wheat, second in Colt, and first in Judging; Sharon Davis, first in Colt, third in Planning a Wardrobe, second in Home Improvement; Patty Coffey, second in Garden; Linda Kelsey, 1st in Well Dressed for School, 1st in Home Improvement, 2nd in Helping With Supper, 1st in Frozen Foods, and 1st in; News writing; Jane Zickefoose, 2nd in Planning a Wardrobe; Carla Rasch, 2nd in Learning to Sew, 4th in School Lunch and Picnic Basket; Virginia Rezac 2nd in Learning to Sew; Ginger Shannon, 4th in Home Improvement and 1st in Complete Costume; Sharon Reser, 1st in Clothes for Special Occasions, 2nd in Preserving for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner, 3rd in Frozen Foods, 1st in Meal Service II, 2nd in Meal Service III, 3rd in Junior Leadership, 2nd in Health and Safety, and 4th in Demonstrations; Carol Adams, 4th in School Lunch and Picnic Basket; Lillian Reser, 4th in Helping With Supper; Jane Parr, 1st in Simple Desserts and Beverages; Timothy Lynde, 3rd in Electric. The members who received silver pins were Linda Kelsey and Sharon Davis. Members who received silver pin guards were Sharon Reser, Dean Davis, Gene Davis, Ginger Shannon and Jane Zickefoose. November 13, 1958 ROSSVILLE 4-H BASKET SUPPER NOVEMBER 17 Rossville 4-H'ers, their family and friends, are invited to attend the basket supper and achievement night Monday evening, November 17, at the Community Center. Bring a well-filled basket and your own table service. NOVEMBER 20, 1958 by Jane Zickefoose The 4-H members and leaders were honored at Rossville's annual achievement party Monday night. The meeting started at 6:30 with a basket supper. Ginger Shannon, chairman of the installation committee, installed the new president, Gene Davis, who was not present at the last meeting. Each project leader made the awards to the high four winners in their project. Merle Eyestone and his family were guests of the club. For the program, Mr. Eyestone brought slides taken years ago of former Rossville 4-Hers. Mr. Scott Kelsey showed slides of 4-Hers and showed slides of 4-Hers and their projects taken this year. Ginger Shannon, Zora Wade, Laura Stiles, and Annette Biswell presented a skit that showed what happens to a girl when she has to many boy friends. OF ROSSVILLE December 1958 Contestants who participated in the County 4-H Cherry Pie Baking Contest November 22. Left to right: Shirla Oakman, Silver Lake; Yvonne Bowen Topeka Topper, (winner); Lorene Vail, Riverside; Linda Kelsey, Rossville; Claudia Garton, Kaw Valley. 4-H GIRLS DELIVER CHRISTMAS BASKETS by Linda Kelsey, jr. .leader December 25, 1958 The girls enrolled in the second year phase of cooking baked an assortment of Christmas cookies on December 20. The cookies were packed in little baskets made from Christmas cards and red yarn. They were given to folks in Rossville and to a nursing home in Topeka. It was lots of fun. DECEMBER 1958 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rossville Reporter, Rossville, Kansas This work is copyrighted; the copyright holder has granted permission for this item to be used by the Rossville Community Library. This permission does not extend to third parties. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1958 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All rights reserved Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RCL0667